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The 
Willy-Nicky Correspondence 

Being the Secret and Intimate Telegrams 
Exchanged between the Kaiser and the Tsar 












SOME NEW BORZOI BOOKS 

THE CABIN 

By V. Blasco Ibdnez 

MADAME SAND 

By Philip Moeller 

HADDA PADDA 

By Godmundur Kamban 

THE ART THEATRE 
By Sheldon Cheney 

BEATING 'EM TO IT 
By Chester Cornish 

ZELLA SEES HERSELF 
By E. M. Delafield 

A BOOK OF PREFACES 
By H. L. Mencken 

THE CITY OF THE DISCREET 
By Pio Baroja 

THE THREE BLACK PENNYS 
By Joseph Hergesheimer 

INTERPRETERS AND INTERPRE- 
TATIONS 
By Carl Van Vechten 

MR. GEORGE JEAN NATHAN PRE- 
SENTS 
By George Jean Nathan 












Meeting of the Kaiser and the Tsar at Bjorkb 



The 
Willy-Nicky Correspondence 

Being the Secret and Inumate Telegrams 
Exchanged Between the i^aiser and the Tsar 



By 

Herman Bernstein 

With a Foreword by 
Theodore Roosevelt 




Alfred A. Knopf 

New York Mcmxviii 



COPYRIGHT, 1918, BY 
ALFRED A. KNOPF 

Copyright, 191 7, by 
The New York Herald Company 

Published January, igii 






N -5 iSia- 



PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OB" AMERICA 



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©CI.A47887t) 



CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Foreword by Theodore Roosevelt 7 



Introduction by Herman Bernstein 11 

The Willy-Nicky Telegrams 47 



Acknowledgment is due to Vladimir Bourt- 
seff, M. Schegoleff and Professor Tarle, the 
eminent historians of the Russian revolution, 
through whose courtesy I was enabled to secure 
the important documents for publication. 

Acknowledgment is also due to The New 
York Herald for permission to reproduce this 
correspondence. 

Herman Bernstein 



To all who are working to make the 
world safe for democracy and for a 
durable, righteous peace, this volume is 
sincerely dedicated, 

HERMAN BERNSTEIN 



SAGAMORE HILL 

November 6th, 1917. 

My dear Mr. Bernstein, 

I congratulate you on the noteworthy service 
you have rendered by the discovery and pub- 
lication of these letters. They illuminate, 
with a glare like a flashlight, the dark places 
of diplomacy of despots; they show what 
diplomacy in autocratic nations really is, and 
what it has done and sought to do, right up to 
the present time. The whole world ought now 
to understand that the despotism of Germany 
was one of plot and intHgue no less than of 
ruthless brutality aiA barbarism, and that with 
a cynically complete absence of all sense of 
international morality and good faith it sought 
to bend to its purpose of evil the poor feeble 



FOREWORD 

puppet who at the moment embodied the 
despotism of Russia. These letters should be 
made familiar to all civilized peoples. 

They show the folly of the men who would 
have us believe that any permanent escape 
from anarchy in Russia can come from the 
re-establishment of the autocracy^ which was 
itself the prime cause of that anarchy — for the 
governmental condition was so intolerable that 
they put a premium on the production of law- 
less violence in the ranks of the lovers of 
liberty and justice and fair play to all. 

They show^ furthermore^ the wicked folly 
of all who would now treat with the German 
despotism for a negotiated peace, a peace with- 
out victory, a peace into which the wrong-doer 
and the wronged would enter on equal terms. 
This war was made by the militaristic and 
capitalistic autocracy of Germany, and it was 
acquiesced in and even promoted by the Ger- 
man socialistic party^ which thereby proved 



FOREWORD 

itself traitorous to the workingmen and farm- 
ers of the world. With these documents be- 
fore them^ no Americans who hereafter directly 
or indirectly support the Prussianized Ger- 
many of the Hohenzollerns can claim to stand 
in good faith for human rights^ for equal jus- 
tice^ and for the liberty of small well-behaved 
nations. 

Let me repeat, my dear sir, that in publish- 
ing these letters you have rendered a signal 
service to this nation and to all mankind. 
Very sincerely yours, 

THEODORE ROOSEVELT. 



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INTRODUCTION 

During my recent stay in Russia I learned 
that shortly after the Tsar had been deposed, a 
series of intimate, secret telegrams exchanged 
between the Kaiser and the Tsar were discov- 
ered in the secret archives of Nicholas Roman- 
off at Tsarskoye Selo. Before leaving Russia 
I secured the complete correspondence which 
gives a clear insight into the system responsible 
for the sinking of the Lusitania, the use of 
poisonous gases, the violation of Belgium, the 
enslavement of the Jews in German Poland 
and Lithuania, the spurious promises to Po- 
land, the sending of explosives in German dip- 
lomatic pouches to neutral countries to blow up 
neutral ships, the dissemination of germs to 

kill cattle and destroy crops, the baby-killing 

11 



12 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

Zeppelin raids, and the policy of "spurlos 
versenkt." 

These intimate communications between 
Kaiser Wilhelm and Tsar Nicholas not only un- 
mask the characters of the German emperor 
and the deposed Tsar of Russia, but also re- 
veal to the world ah extraordinary human 
document which discredits completely the Ger- 
man autocracy that is endeavouring to enslave 
mankind. The Kaiser is exposed as a master 
intriguer and Mephistophelian plotter for Ger- 
man domination of the world. The former 
Tsar is revealed as a capricious weakling, a 
characterless, colourless nonentity. 

The complete correspondence, consisting of 
sixty-five telegrams exchanged between the 
Emperors during the years 1904, 1905, 1906 j 
and 1907, forms an amazing picture of intei- ( 
national diplomacy of duplicity and violence, 
painted by the men responsible for the greatest 
war in the world's history. The documents, 



\i. 



INTRODUCTION / 13 

not intended for the eyes of even the Secreta- 
ries of State of the two Emperors, constitute 
the most remarkable indictment of the system 
of governments headed by these imperial cor- 
respondents. 

The telegrams, written in English, are 
quaint and stilted in style, here and there, and 
most intimate and friendly in tone. They are 
at times amusing for their naivete and childish- 
ness and amazing for their arrogance and con- 
ceit. The Emperors signed their telegraphic 
messages "Willy" and "Nicky." But when 
the Kaiser was angry, — ^when he believed that 
his rights were infringed, he made his demands 
in firm, stern terms, and instead of signing the 
telegram "Willy," as most of his messages 
were signed, he suddenly became "Wilhelm." 

Side by side with the international intrigues 
and plots, these telegrams contain frivolous 
comments on men, affairs and the weather, 
petty diplomatic gossip, and repeated love mes- 



14 THj_ WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

sages from the Kaiser to "Alice," the German 
Princess who became the Tsaritsa of Russia. 
V These love greetings to the Empress of Rus- 
sia assume a peculiar significance when it is 
recalled that the Kaiser was practically the 
match-maker between Alexandra and Nicholas, 
and that the German Empress of Russia domi- 
nated the Tsar, working for Germany's inter- 
ests to such an extent that she not only sym- 
pathised and sided with Germany in this war, 
but actually made every endeavour to be- 
tray Russia to Germany through a separate 
peace. To accomplish this the former Tsar- 
itsa sought to bring about Russia's defeat, kept 
Germany informed of Russia's military secrets, 
transmitting to Germany information she re- 
ceived in intimate letters from her husband, 
the Tsar, when he was at the front as the chief 
commander of the Russian army. 

The correspondence, extending over a pe- 
riod of four years, shows the Kaiser conspiring 



INTRODUCTION 15 

against England, endeavouring to deceive 
France, ensnaring Russia, plotting to violate 
Denmark, giving the Tsar fantastic military ad- 
vice on how to defeat Japan. The Kaiser gave 
Nicholas lessons on how to fight during the 
Russo-Japanese war, and then counselled him 
concerning peace negotiations. 

After the Kaiser had failed for nine years 
to make France a vassal State of Germany 
through an alliance with France against Eng- 
land, after all his promises and friendly man- 
oeuvres had miscarried, he determined to at- 
tack the problem from another side. /He 
turned to the weak and feeble-minded Tsar 
of Russia, inducing him to form a secret alli- 
ance between Germany and Russia without 
breathing a word to Russia's ally, France, and 
then force France to join the alliance against 
England and break the agreement made be- 
tween England and France in April, 1904. 

It was the Kaiser's plan to form a secret 



16 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

agreement with Russia first and then acquaint 
the French Repubhc with the accomphshed 
fact. France would thus be compelled to de- 
cide quickly — either to join the newly organ- 
ised combination against England or to break 
the Franco-Russian alliance and face German 
invasion in the near future. 

The Kaiser knew the Tsar's weakness and 
took advantage of it for the purpose of further- 
ing his ovm ambitions. The Tsar yielded to 
the cunning machinations of the Kaiser, and a 
secret treaty was signed. It was a treaty de- 
signed to make the Kaiser the master of 
Europe, while Russia, helping him in this, was 
at the same time practically forced from the 
ranks of the great world Powers. 

The telegrams, dated July 5 and 10, 1904, 
dealing with the Smolensk and the Scandia 
episodes, are of especial interest, as they show 
how the head of the government responsible 
for the sinking of the Lusitania, the violation 



INTRODUCTION 17 

of Belgium, the anti-American Mexican con- 
spiracy and countless inhuman atrocities, ex- 
pressed his indignation in 1904 over the seiz- 
ure of the mail from a German vessel by a 
Russian cruiser. He wrote on that occasion: 
— "This act, a violation of international law, 
will create great surprise and disgust in Ger- 
many." 

In the telegram dated July 10, 1904, the 
Kaiser called the seizure of the German steam- 
ship Scandia "an open violation of interna- 
tional sea law nearly adequate to piracy." 

Nothing that has ever been written about 
the Kaiser or the deposed Tsar has served to 
unmask these unscrupulous rulers as they un- 
mask themselves in their secret documents 
which would have remained buried in the pri- 
vate archives of the Tsar, had it not been for 
the great revolution that ended the reign of 
terror of the Romanoffs. 

In these intimate telegrams the Kaiser 



18 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

stands out as the craftiest of cynics and 
poseurs, plotting against the peace of the 
world, endeavouring to deceive Nicholas in the 
belief that his whole concern was for peace. 
Both talked for peace and plotted against it. 

The Kaiser was deeply interested in the 
start of the Russian squadron under Admiral 
Rojestvensky and, as is seen from telegram 
number 13, tried at once, even without any 
secret treaties, to cause a break between France 
and England. While writing of the protest by 
Japan and England against Germany's fur- 
nishing coal to the Russian squadron on its 
way to the Far East the Kaiser told Nicholas 
"to remind your ally, France, of obligations 
taken over in the treaty of dual alliance with 
you. 

In the event France should try to refrain 
from furnishing coal to the Russian squadron 
in her ports, the Kaiser promised the Tsar to 
threaten France, writing "though Delcasse is 



INTRODUCTION 19 

an anglophile enrage, he will be wise enough 
to understand that the British fleet is utterly 
unable to save Paris." 

He then stated to the Tsar that "in this way 
a powerful combination of three of the strong- 
est Continent Powers would be formed." 

At the time that the Kaiser kept informing 
the Tsar about the progress of the war, about 
peace negotiations, talking to him of the ad- 
vantages of betraying France, retailing diplo- 
matic gossip, advising him that new battle- 
ships "would be excellent persuaders during 
peace negotiations," he did not overlook his 
own business opportunities, informing Nich- 
olas that "our private firms would be most glad 
to receive contracts." 

Then the North Sea incident occurred, and 
Nicholas fell into the trap laid for him by the 
Kaiser. He immediately accepted the Kai- 
ser's scheme of a secret alliance with Germany 
against England, adding that "France is bound 



20 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

to join her ally." Nicholas asked the Kaiser 
''to lay doY/n and frame the outlines of such a 
treaty." 

That the Kaiser, who proposed the treaty, 
v/as quite prepared is evident from the fact that 
on the day after the receipt of the Tsar's tele- 
gram he informed Nicholas by wire that he 
had sent the draft of the treaty by special 
courier. To arouse the Tsar's anger still 
more the Kaiser telegraphed at the same time 
absurd stories about mysterious vessels among 
the British boats not belonging to the fishing 
fleet, and added "so there must have been foul 
play" in the North Sea incident. 

Later he notified the Tsar that Great Brit- 
ain was preparing to send an expedition to 
Afghanistan; he wrote reproachfully of the 
tendencies noticed in France and Endand to 
end the Russo-Japanese war as soon as possi- 
ble; he again assured Nicholas that the Jap- 
anese armies were near exhaustion. He also 



INTRODUCTION 21 

informed Nicholas that England wanted to let 
Russia have compensation in Persia for her 
loss of Manchuria, but he warned the Tsar not ' 
to be deceived by such promises, as England 
would not permit Russia to have access to the 
warm sea. Therefore he endeavoured to stir 
up new military enthusiasm in Nicholas on the 
eve of the fall of Port Arthur. Prating of 
peaceful intentions, the war lord urged the 
weakling of Tsarskoye Selo to disregard peace 
offers, and concluded his message by saying .^ 
'T continue to watch everywhere for you." 

When Nicholas showed signs of hesitation, 
the Kaiser warned him that the consequences 
of the secret treaty proposed by him would be 
most dangerous if any other Power were to 
learn of it. He telegraphed him, "No third ( 
Power must hear even a whisper about our in- 
tentions before we have concluded the conven- 
tion." 

The Tsar immediately assured the Kaiser 



22 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

that he could fully rely on his loyalty and 
that he was eager to arrive at a speedy settle- 
ment of this serious question. On the day 
after this assurance was made Nicholas tele- 
graphed to the Kaiser that he was sending 
him a note declaring his complete acquiescence 
with the Kaiser's wishes in the matter. 

Then the Kaiser again instructed Nicholas 
with regard to the conduct of the war. A 
stockholder in the Hamburg-American line, 
the Kaiser was displeased because agents of 
the Hamburg- American line, who were in Rus- 
sia at the time for the purpose of selling col- 
liers to the Russian government met with 
difficulty in their transactions, as members of 
the Russian government for some reason re- 
fused to buy the ships. The Kaiser informed 
the Tsar of this, declaring the Russians were 
"pretending that they have no spare crews to 
man the colliers. This," he stated cynically, 
"cannot be true, and I suppose that the wish to 



INTRODUCTION 23 

have peace at any price is uppermost in the 
minds of the parties who plead impossibil- 
ity.'>> 

The Kaiser went on to give the Tsar advice 
how to overcome this attitude by outhning to 
him what Admiral Rojestvensky ought to do 
"if he would avoid defeat." The Kaiser re- 
minded Nicholas, "It is lucky for you that the 
French have at all times, even against their y 
own interests during the German war, main- 
tained the point of naval law that belligerent 
vessels may remain in a neutral port for any 
length of time and without disarming." 
Therefore he concluded that the French gov- 
ernment was ''fully entitled to let the second 
squadron remain in Madagascar until the arri- 
val of the third." 

He also told the Tsar that if any one advised 
him to let Admiral Rojestvensky attack the 
Japanese before the arrival of reinforcements 
he "might ask that party whether he is ready to 



/ 



24 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

take upon himself the responsibihty for the 
result." 

Thus he not only counselled the Tsar con- 
cerning the conduct of the war, but actually 
warned him against taking any one else's ad- 
vice. 

But when "Nicky" begged his German 
friend and adviser to give the necessary per- 
mission, "without which the further sailing of 
the squadron becomes entirely impossible," as 
the Hamburg- American colliers feared to give 
orders before getting instructions from the 
Chancellor, the Kaiser suddenly became formal 
and evasive. He reminded the weak-kneed 
Tsar that he had told him at the very beginning 
he would do nothing to prevent such an ar- 
rangement, but could issue no instructions to 
the Hamburg- American line, since it was "a 
private enterprise." He added that the Ham- 
burg-American line knew the situation and 
must take the responsibility itself, that he in- 



INTRODUCTION 25 

formed Ballin to act as he saw fit — "of course 
at his own risks."^ 

The Kaiser, who but a short while ago had 
reminded his friend, the Tsar, that his private 
firms would be very glad to get orders from 
Russia, now protected his private interests by 
notifying the Tsar that he could not interfere. 
Several months later, in 1905, the whole 
world was interested in the unexpected meeting 
between the Kaiser and the Tsar. It was ar- 
ranged at the request of the Kaiser, who 
wired, "I would come as a simple tourist, 
without any fetes." It was on that occasion 
that the plotting Kaiser made Nicholas sign the 
secret treaty. 

Never forgetting the theatrical, "Willy" 
telegraphed to the Tsar that his guests did not 
suspect where they were going. While telhng 
him that he had important news for him, he 
added, "The faces of my guests will be worth 
seeing when they suddenly behold your yacht. 



26 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

A fine lark. Tableaux!" Then the arch 
conspirator, plotting to set the world aflame, 
while prating of peace, asked the Tsar, "Which 
dress for the meeting?" 

In an exhaustive article on the significance 
of this "most sensational and actually most 
illuminating" correspondence between the 
Kaiser and the Tsar, The New Europe of Lon- 
don says of the pact of Bjorko as follows: 

"At this point the curtain drops upon the 
conspirators. A convention for joint action 
by Germany and Russia in the event of the for- 
mer being attacked by England and Japan on 
the score of her breach of neutrality in offering 
coaling facilities to the Baltic fleet seems to 
have been signed immediately; but the nego- 
jT tiations for an alliance of wider scope appear 
to have hung fire until the summer of the fol- 
lowing year, when the interview between the 
Kaiser and the Tsar at Bjorko (24 July, 1905) 
gave the former an opportunity to use his im- 



INTRODUCTION 27 

mense personal influence over Nicholas II to 
stifle the latter's scruples. The Kaiser came 
to Bjorko armed with a draft treaty which was 
actually signed on board one of the Imperial 
yachts, the only witness to the transaction be- 
ing a Russian admiral who was called upon by 
his master, at the Kaiser's request, to append 
his signature to a document of the nature of 
which he was left in ignorance. The articles 
of the Bjorko treaty have not been divulged; 
but we know from subsequent telegrams of the 
German Emperor, published in the New York 
Herald, and from the recent disclosures of Mr. 
Isvolski in the Temps, that the alliance was 
expressly directed against England, and that y 
it provided for the conversion of the Baltic Sea 
into a mare clausum, and for the seizure and 
occupation of Denmark by Russia and Ger- 
many in the event of the high contracting par- 
ties embarking upon a war against Great Brit- 
ain. . . . 



28 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

"The subsequent history of the Bjorko in- 
trigue is almost farcical. The Russo-German 
alhance, which it had taken the Kaiser the best 
part of a year to negotiate, remained operative 
for little more than a month. On his return 
to Tsarskoye Selo the Tsar communicated the 
terms of the treaty to his Foreign Minister 
Count Lamsdorf, who, we are told, 'could not 
believe his eyes or ears,' and who at once in- 
formed the Russian Ambassador at Paris of his 
master's indiscretion. Upon the latter's re- 
port that it would be impossible to get France 
to come into the agreement, Nicholas II seems 
to have been brought to realise the folly and 
impropriety of his act, and early in September 
the German Government was instructed that 
/ the Treaty of Bjorko must be regarded as null 
and void on the ground that an essential clause, 
the adhesion of France, could not be carried 
out. 

"The chagrin of the Kaiser on receiving this 



INTRODUCTION 29 

intimation can be pictured, and it found ex- 
pression in his telegram to the Tsar on 29 
September, 1905. This message abounds in 
abuse of the Tsar's ally, although the Kaiser's 
persistent will to include France in the Russo- 
German combination appears to have under- 
gone no diminution. The Treaty of Bjorko, 
he tells the Tsar, Moes not come into collision 
with the Franco-Russian Alliance, provided of 
course, the latter is not aimed directly at my 
country. On the other hand, the obligations 
of Russia towards France can only go as far 
as France merits them through her behaviour. 
Your Ally notoriously left you in the lurch dur- 
ing the whole war, whereas Germany helped 
you in every way as far as it could without in- 
fringing the laws of neutrality.' 

"The Pact of Bjorko was still-born; but the 
story of its negotiation is of more than merely 
antiquarian interest, for it illustrates the char- 
acters of the autocrats of Potsdam and Petro- 



30 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

grad and thereby throws light upon the causes 
and responsibihties for the present war. 
Nothing in the picture thus revealed is more 
arresting than the almost hypnotic influence 
which the Kaiser is shown to have exercised 
over the weak-willed and impressionable Tsar. 
The feeble 'Nicky' appears as wax in the 
hands of the masterful 'Willy,' who exploits 
the indecision of his brother ruler until he suc- 
ceeds in cajoling him, perhaps not for the first 
time — certainly not for the last time — into 
subordinating the interests of Russia to those 
of Germany." 

In his telegram to the Tsar, dated July 29, 
1905, the Kaiser is revealed as an unscrupu- 
lous hypocrite. He advised Tsar Nicholas to 
do in 1905 what he refuses to allow his own 
people to do in 1917 in this war. 

From the correspondence between the 
Kaiser and the Tsar it is perfectly clear that 



INTRODUCTION 31 

what happened to Belgium during this war was 
to happen to Denmark and would have hap- 
pened to that country if the Kaiser's plot to at- 
tack England had been carried out when he 
formed the secret alliance with Russia. 

The Kaiser conferred with the King of Den- 
mark for the purpose of acquainting him with 
this scheme. He intended to break the news 
gently to the King, whose country was to be 
violated by Germany and Russia. The Kai- 
ser's pretext for such a step was thus explained 
in his characteristic telegram to Nicholas: — 
"The Danes expect that Russia and Germany 
will immediately take steps to safeguard their 
interests by laying hands on Denmark and 
occupying it during the war." 

In this report to Nicholas the Kaiser bared 
his true character. He described how well he 
was received at the Danish Court and how the 
press had created an atmosphere of apprehen- 



32 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

sion in connection with his stay, which caused 
him to change his scheme of acquainting the 
King with his project. 

The Kaiser's indignation was aroused be- 
cause he had learned that the British Minister 
in Denmark had used violent language against 
him, accusing him of the vilest intrigues. 
The imperial actor described how he met this 
situation under such embarrassing circum- 
stances. He wrote: — 'T did all in my power 
to dispel the cloud of distrust by behaving quite 
unconcernedly and making no allusion to seri- 
ous politics at all." 

Then he boastfully informed, the Tsar how 
he succeeded in learning from a conversation 
with M. Izvolsky that in the event of war Den- 
mark expected to be treated as they had ar- 
ranged. To justify the change of his decision 
to discuss this matter with the King he tele- 
graphed: — "The Danes are slowly resigning 
themselves to this alternative and making up 



INTRODUCTION 33 

their minds accordingly. ... It is better to 
let the idea develop and ripen in their heads 
and let them draw final conclusions them- 
selves." 

After this lesson in the intricacies of diplo- 
macy and the whimsicalities of imperial 
psychology, the Kaiser wound up his report 
with a new thrust at Russia's allies: — "What 
do you say to the programme of festivities for 
your allies at Cowes?" he asked. "Very deli- 
cate, indeed. It shows I was right when I 
warned you two years ago." 

This remarkable report by the Kaiser 
elicited only a few lines from his capricious 
pupil and accomplice. Nicholas thanked him 
for the "interesting details" and approved his 
methods, saying, "You were quite right in not 
letting anything be known about our alli- 
ance." 

For sheer hypocrisy the Kaiser's telegram of 
August 7, 1905, has rarely been surpassed. 



34 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

The war lord, who "watched everywhere," 
who toyed with the fate of the German and the 
Russian people in secret, who did not consult 
his Cabinet or Reichstag concerning matters of 
the gravest import, who conspired against the 
peace of the world, suddenly preached a ser- 
mon to Nicholas on the ''great Duma," the 
voice of the people, urging him to let the rep- 
resentatives of the people decide the question 
of war or peace in order to save Nicholas and 
the throne. 

Nicholas was irritated by the Kaiser's refer- 
ence to the "great Duma" and the voice of the 
people. 

Tsar Nicholas, whose reign was marked with 
bloodshed from the very day he ascended the 
throne in Moscow, in his reply to the Kaiser 
said, "You know how I hate bloodshed," and 
then assured him that he did not need the voice 
of the people to express itself in the matter of 
war or peace, that he was ready to take the 



INTRODUCTION 35 

whole responsibility himself, adding that his 
conscience was clear. 

When the Russo-Japanese war ended, the 
Tsar suddenly realized that it would be better 
to acquaint France with the secret treaty be- 
tween Germany and Russia. He feared that 
the circumstances under which the treaty 
had been signed might arouse criticism in 
France, and he expressed his views on this sub- 
ject to the Kaiser. Wilhelm immediately 
changed his tactics and assured Nicholas that 
the treaty signed at Bjorko did not clash with 
the Franco-Russian alliance, provided the lat- 
ter was not aimed at his country. He again 
tried to arouse the Tsar's anger against France 
by declaring, "Your ally has notoriously left 
you in the lurch during the whole war, whereas 
Germany helped you in every way. . . . That 
puts Russia morally also under obligations to 
us — do ut des." 

He informed the Tsar that "the indiscre- 



36 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

tions of Delcasse have shown the world that 
though France is your ally she nevertheless 
made an agreement with England and was on 
the verge of surprising Germany, with British 
help, in the middle of peace, while I was do- 
ing my best to you and your country, her 
ally." 

Having made this point, the Kaiser reiter- 
ated that the secret treaty they had made was 
a very good base to build upon, and appealed to 
the Tsar's religious sentiments thus: — "We 
joined hands and signed before God, who heard 
our vows. I therefore think that the treaty 
can well come into existence." 

If, however, the Tsar wanted any changes 
made in the words or clauses or provisions, the 
Kaiser now expressed his readiness to await 
any proposals Nicholas would see fit to lay be- 
fore him. Until the changes had been made, 
the Kaiser insisted that the treaty must be ad- 
hered to. 



INTRODUCTION 37 

While discussing the treaty the Kaiser re- 
buked the Tsar because the "influential press" 
in Russia had become "violently anti-German 
and pro-British," and declared that these 
organs had been "bought by heavy sums of 
British money, no doubt." 

He reminded the Tsar that this attitude of 
the press caused irritation between Germany 
and Russia, that the "times are troubled and 
that we must have clear courses to steer; the 
treaty we signed is a means of keeping straight 
without interfering with your alliance as 
such." Then in the same telegram he once 
more played upon the Tsar's religious feelings, 
concluding, "What is signed is signed, and God 
is our testator." 

The master intriguer, noticing that his hold 
on Nicholas was weakening, resorted to Tar- 
tuffian methods to influence the weakling by 
reminding him that God was their testator at 
the signing of the secret treaty which was 



38 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

really intended to upset the equilibrium of 
Europe in order that the Kaiser might be able 
to readjust it according to his own whims and 
caprices. 

Soon afterward the Kaiser addressed a tele- 
gram to the Tsar in which he expressed his in- 
dignation at England, calling King Edv/ard 
"the arch mischiefmaker of Europe." 

He wrote that he learned the Russian Am- 
bassador Benkendorff had been sent on a secret 
mission to the Russian Dowager Empress with 
instructions to win her over to influence 
y Nicholas against him, and that while the For- 
eign Office in London knew this, the Russian 
Embassy denied it. He added, "It is peculiar 
that your Ambassador should lend himself to 
such tricks." 

The Tsar, in reply, defended Benkendorff, 
assuring the Kaiser that he had gone to 
the Dowager Empress at her own request 
and with the Tsar's permission. The capri- 



INTRODUCTION 39 

cious pupil of Tsarskoye Selo who apparently 
profited by the lessons of his Potsdam in- 
structor suddenly mustered courage to tell him 
that nothing could influence him except the 
honour and interest of his country; that Benk- 
endorff was a loyal subject and a real gentle- 
man and would not lend himself "to any false 
tricks, even if they came from the great mis- 
chief maker himself." 

The correspondence between the Emperors 
then became less friendly. The Kaiser indi- 
cated in his telegram of November 26 that the 
Tsar's information with regard to Morocco was 
incorrect. Nevertheless, he availed himself 
once more of the opportunity of warning the 
Tsar against the demonstration projected by 
France and England against Turkey, and 
hinted at an uprising by the Islamitic world. 

"The work of the 'Crimean combine' (the 
Franco-British entente) is to be detected 
here." In this note he even failed to send his 



40 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

customary love message to Alice, the Empress 
of Russia. 

The Kaiser revealed himself in his own 
correspondence as playing the role of intriguer 
and tempter, hypocrite and cynic, actor, 
preacher, gossip and fantastic military expert. 
In dealing with Nicholas he flattered him and 
preached to him, counselled him and warned 
him; he also threatened and bullied him when 
the other methods proved ineffective. 

When the characterless and capricious ruler 
of the Russian people fell under the sway of 
other influences and the Kaiser saw his plot 
against England doomed to failure he changed 
his tactics sharply and practically turned the 
tables on his friend Nicholas. 

On August 16, 1906, he informed him that 
"Uncle Bertie's visit passed off most satisfac- 
torily." Uncle Bertie was King Edward. 
Then the Kaiser, who had plotted against Eng- 
land, employing every means to ensnare Rus- 



INTRODUCTION 41 

sia and force France into signing the secret 
compact directed against England, suddenly, 
without any explanations, told the Tsar con- 
cerning his meeting with King Edward: — "We 
both agreed that the maintenance of friendly 
relations between our two countries is not only 
a blessing for them, but also for all the 
nations." 

And Nicholas, who had fumed and raged 
against England's "arrogance and insolence" 
but a little while before, replying to the Kai- 
ser's telegram, repeated parrotlike: — "The 
maintenance of friendly relations between Ger- 
many and England is an absolute necessity for 
the world." 

In the meantime, Nicholas was confronted 
with internal difficulties, and he notified the 
Kaiser that he was compelled to postpone the 
interview with him because he had decided "to 
disband the Duma." 

In the last telegram in our possession, dated 



42 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

August 2, 1907, the Kaiser wrote once more 
of his meeting with "Uncle Bertie," who was 
"peacefully disposed." What the Kaiser, 
who had urged Nicholas to recognise the Duma 
as the voice of the people, thought of the dis- 
solution of the Duma is most characteristic. 
He wrote: "When asked by the King about 
the actual state of Russia I was happy to in- 
form him that I heard from you that all went 
well, the dismissal of the Duma by you being 
the same act as the dismissal of the Portuguese 
Parliament by his cousin Carlos." 

At the time of the writing of that message 
neither the Tsar nor the Kaiser knew that the 
"dismissal" of the Duma would Avithin ten 
years end the rule of the Romanoffs. 

The correspondence between the Emperors 
opens the eyes of the world to the great evil 
of autocracy. In the light of these telegrams 
it becomes perfectly clear that the plotting and 
scheming of autocrats to divide the world and 



INTRODUCTION 43 

determine policies affecting the lives and hap- 
piness of millions of human beings cannot be 
tolerated any longer. The world must really 
be made safe for democracy and lasting peace 
based upon justice, liberty and equality. 

The secret correspondence between Wilhelm 
Hohenzollern and Nicholas Romanoff justifies 
most effectively President Wilson's following 
interpretation of the struggle against Kaiser- 
ism, in his masterly reply to Pope Benedict's 
peace proposal: 

"The object of this war is to deliver the free 
peoples of the world from the menace and the 
actual power of a vast military establishment 
controlled by an irresponsible Government, 
which, having secretly planned to dominate the 
world, proceeded to carry the plan out without 
regard either to the sacred obligations of treaty 
or the long established practices and long cher- 
ished principles of international action and 
honour; which chose its own time for the war, 



44 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

delivered its blow fiercely and suddenly, 
stopped at no barrier, either of law or of mercy; 
swept a whole continent within the tide of 
blood — not the blood of soldiers only, but the 
blood of innocent women and children also and 
of the helpless poor — and now stands balked 
but not defeated, the enemy of four-fifths of the 
world. 

"This power is not the German people. It 
is the ruthless master of the German people." 



THE WILLY-NICKY TELEGRAMS 



THE WILLY-NICKY TELEGRAMS 



From Kiel, the 16th of June, 1904. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur: 

Uncle Albert's visit going, of course, well. 
He is very lively and active and most kind. 
His wish for peace is quite pronounced, and is 
the motive for his liking to offer his services 
wherever he sees collisions in the world. The 
weather is simply disgusting. Best love to 
Alice. Sympathise sincerely with your fresh 
losses of ships and men. 

(Signed) Willy, A. of A. 

[M the very first telegram the Kaiser made 
an admission most damaging to the claims of 
German Anglophobes, Throughout the pres- 

47 



4S THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

ent world-war and for many years preceding 
it:, ih^ pan-Germans have been accusing Eng- 
land of plotting iTie ruin of the Fatherland by 
means of a policy of encirclement (Umkrei- 
sungspolitik)^ by surrounding her with a ring 
of foes. The inventor and originator of this 
policy ivas supposed to have been King Ed- 
ward VII . It was he, who as '^ joint conspira- 
tor'^ with Theophile Delcasse, was held respon- 
sible for the series of agreements between 
Trance and England in 1904 which settled all 
outstanding controversies between the two 
countries and resulted in the entente cordiale. 
An understanding between France and Eng- 
land could have been inspired only by motives 
of Hostility to Germany, according to the Ger- 
man jingoes who regarded a permanent Franco- 
British rivalry as a vested German interest. 
But here we are assured, by ''God's anointed'' 
himself, that Edward's ''wish for peace is quite 
pronounced" although he tried to frighten the 



TELEGRAM TWO 49 

Tsar with the English King^s wish for peace : 
It "is the motive for his liking to offer his serv- 
ices wherever he sees collisions in the worldj^ 
and he may yet try to spoil your little war with 
Japan!^ 



From Nordf jordeidet, the 20th of June, 1904. 
Sa Majeste I'Empereur, 
Peterhof: 
Condole with you at death of Count Keller, 
a brave soldier and gentleman. Have com- 
municated date fixed by you to my brother-in- 
law. He will, of course, report himself to 
you. Perhaps my cousin of Hohenzollern 
will watch the Japan troops on their side. 
We have fine weather here. Best love to 
Alice. 

(Signed) Willy. 



50 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 



From Peterhof, the 21st of June, 1904. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur d'AUemagne, 
Nordfjordeidet: 
Thank you for your condolence. Saw Mr. 
Witte, who reported the conclusion of the 
/ treaty with Count Biilow. Hope you are en- 
joying your cruise. Have inspected all the 
troops of the First Army Corps. Best love 
from both. 

(Signed) Nicky. 



From Molde, the 5th of July, 1904. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur: 

A Russian steamer, calling itself a cruiser, 
Smolensk has stopped the German Lloyd's 
steamer Prince Henry and carried off the 
whole of the post bags containing correspond- 



TELEGRAM FIVE 51 

ence to Japan. This act, a violation of inter- 
national law, will create great surprise and dis- 
gust in Germany, considering the friendly feel- 
ing shown to Russia by our country, and, if re- 
peated, will, I fear, contribute to considerably 
reduce the sympathy still cherished for your 
country by Germany. 

(Signed) Willy. 



From Peterhof, the 7th of July, 1904. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Berlin : 
Excuse me for answering so late, but having 
come back from an inspection of the 22d divi- 
sion I had no time to write sooner. I regret 
tjiis excess and trope de zele of the Smol- 
ensk. Measures shall be taken to prevent 
similar cases occurring. Would be too sad if 
one episode were to spoil the excellent rela- 



52 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

tions existing between our countries. I took 
your aide de camp, Count Lamsdorff , with me. 
Your Wiborg regiment presented itself very 
well. I told them I was sure they would show 
themselves worthy of their colonel in chief. 

(Signed) Nicky. 



From Drondheim, Hohenzollern, 
The 8th (21st) of July, 1904. 

Sa Majeste I'Empereur, 

Peterhof: 

Best thanks. Quite satisfied. Hope my 

regiment wilful to behave well. Best love to 

Alice. 

((Signed) Willy. 



TELEGRAM SEVEN 53 



From Drondheim, 

The 10th (23rd) of July, 1904. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Peterhof: 
I have just heard from Hamburg hne that 
Russian "cruiser" has carried off their steamer 
Scandia under Russian officers and crew to 
unknown destination. This act is an open 
violation of international sea law and is nearly 
adequate to piracy. I think it high time that 
the captains of the so-called cruisers should 
receive instructions warning them to refrain 
from committing such acts as the above, as 
they are able to bring about international com- 
plications. 

(Signed) Wilhelm. 



54 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

8 

From Peterhof, the 11th (24th) of July, 1904. 

Sa Majeste I'Empereur, 
Drondheim: 
Orders have already been given to captains 
to refrain from stopping ships, but it is not easy 
to transmit them instructions while they cruise 
about. Steamer Scandia shall be immedi- 
ately released on her arrival at first port. 
During this war we learned that enormous 
quantities of contrabrand were being shipped 
from Europe to Japan. Naturally, out of a 
feeling of self-defence, we wanted to put a stop 
to it. I hope you will see from this that there 
was not the slightest idea in Russia of provok- 
ing any bitter feeling in Germany. Once 
more I regret very much what has happened. 

(Signed) Nicky. 



TELEGRAM NINE 55 



From Drondheim, 

The 11th (24th) of July, 1904, 
At 8 o'clock 20 m., evening. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Peterhof: 
Sincerest thanks. News of the release of 
Scandia will eminently help to relieve feel- 
ing of concern and anxiety which was settling 
on the country, especially on the commercial 
part of Germany. May you soon have good 
news from the front. Best love to Alice. 
Very cold weather here. 

(Signed) Willy. 



56 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

10 

From Hubertustock, the 8th of October 
(25th of September), 1904, 

At 6 o'clock 25 m., afternoon. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Reval: 
The colonel of my Wiborg regiment tele- 
graphed to me the fact of your kind acknowl- 
edgment of their bravery by the despatch of a 
large number of decorations. As chief I ven- 
ture to thank you heartily for this act and to 
express my pleasure at the valiant behaviour 
of the Wiborgs. I see by the papers that the 
fleet are for target practice at the well known 
ranges near Reval, where we passed such de- 
lightful days. I hope they will learn their 
duty soundly and introduce telescopic sights, 
which the Japanese have on their guns, but 
were wanting in the Port Arthur fleet. I sup- 
pose that when the ice sets in the fleet will 
establish their base at Libau or near Danish 



TELEGRAM TEN 57 

coast, in the Kicege Bay, for instance, for their 
steam tactics and squadron drill, which is a 
very practical place in winter. So that when 
the spring comes they will be ready for the 
march to the East, knowing their leader, their 
ships and their guns, and then re-establish the 
Russian supremacy on the sea. I am, as every 
man in my country is, full of enthusiastic 
admiration at brave Stoessel, his gallant garri- 
son; may God help them to hold out. The 
vessels in the harbour are, of course, the main 
attraction for the Japanese. I hope they will 
make a try for the Japanese fleet, and if they 
manage to run down or smash or damage the 
four lines of battleships left to Japan, 
though they themselves may perish, too, they 
will have done their duty, shattering the 
strength of the Japanese sea power and pre- 
paring the way for the Baltic fleet's victorious 
success on its arrival, in winning easily against 
a damaged antagonist unable to repair his ships 



58 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

or build new ones in time. Then the sea 
power is back in your hands and the Japanese 
land forces are at your mercy; then you sound 
the "general advance" for your army and the 
enemy. Hallali! Schebecko just brought 
your letter when I was finishing my telegram. 
Many hearty thanks. I have already given 
every order that Hamburg- American line is in 
no way to be hampered, but has free scope to 
do what they like. It is very sensible to keep 
the squadron here till the ships are thoroughly 
"seasoned" and till all units are ready to go 
out together. There is no doubt that the 
appearance of a strong, fresh fleet, with many 
numbers — though some may be older ships — 
will do well and decide the day in your favour; 
the main point is that the ships in Port Arthur 
must make for the Japanese and try to sink, 
ram or damage as many ships as they can, so 
as to prepare the ground for the Baltic fleet, 
which on arrival will only have to finish the 



TELEGRAM TEN 59 

rest of the hostile ships off. Also I think it 
would he practical for you to begin ordering 
hne of battleships to be built, with private 
firms, as the Japanese have done in England. 
So that when in a year or two the negotiations 
for peace begin you can dispose of a fresh 
reserve to impose your will and make yourself 
independent of foreign intervention. Best 
love to Alice. 

(Signed) Willy. 

[It is difficult to say whether the Kaiser was 
in earnest or whether he was deliberately de- 
ceiving the Tsar by his fantastic advice that the 
bottled-up Russian fleet at Port Arthur attack 
the Japanese fleet and, though it be destroyed 
while doing it, it would so weaken the enemy 
that it would prepare the way for the Baltic 
fleet's ''victorious success'' and ''win easily 
against a damaged antagonist," "Then," the 
Kaiser goes on, "the sea power is back in your 



60 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

hands and the Japanese land forces are at your 
mercy; then you sound the 'general advance" 
for your army — and the enemy — HallaliF' 
Even while Willy was encouraging Nicky to 
sally forth from Port Arthur and to send his 
Baltic fleet to destruction^ he was urging him to 
''begin ordering a line of battleships to be 
built:, with private firms/" that is to say^ in Ger- 
many. The "divine righf" Prussian^ the tire- 
less plotter and intriguer against the world's 
peace ^ the would-be world conqueror, here re- 
vealed himself as a commonplace salesman try- 
ing to obtain orders for the iron works at Essen 
and the shipyards at Stettin, The medieval 
survival in "shining armour"" turned out an 
ultra-modern profiteer Q 



i 



TELEGRAM ELEVEN 61 



11 

From Neues Palais, 

The 8th (19th) of October, 1904 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Tzarskoe, Selo: 
\i have information from good source that 
former Japanese Minister at Petersburg, 
Kurino, has reappeared in Europe. He is in 
Paris, and seems to be authorised to try to get 
France and England Fentente cordiale to medi- 
ate in favour of Japan for peace. It seems also 
as if the Chinese were being pushed forward 
by Japan to offer to mediate on their part, too. 
This shows that Japan is nearing the limits of 
its strength in men and money, and now that 
they have gained advantages over the Man- 
churian army they fancy that they can stop 
now and try to reap the fruits of their efforts by 
enticing other Powers to mix themselves in the 
matter and to get at Manchuria by peace con- 



62 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

ference. As I know your ideas on the further 
development of the war, and that after a severe 
reverse you will, of course, never lend a hand 
to such a proceeding, I thought it my duty to 
inform you of what seems going on behind the 
scenes. I think the strings of all these doings 
lead across the Channel. 

(Signed) Willy. 

[^Throughout this correspondence the astute 
Wilhelm was encouraging the simple-minded 
Tsar to fight Japan to the bitter end. Thereby 
he hoped to kill two birds with one stone (and 
that stone not his own) , to weaken two power- 
ful rival empires. A weakened Japan would 
be unable to hinder the development of Ger- 
man imperialist ambitions in the Far East^ and 
a weakened Russia would have to submit 
quietly to German and Austrian aggressions in 
the Balkans and the Near East. In fact, Rus- 
sia was encouraged in every possible way to em- 



TELEGRAM ELEVEN 63 

bark upon her hare-brained Far Eastern adven^ 
ture in order to weaken her position in Europe, 
She was encouraged to denude her Polish for- 
tresses of their garrisons by the promise that 
nothing inimical would be undertaken against 
her by Germany and her Austrian ally. This 
promise did not, however^, prevent Wilhelm^s 
ally from annexing Bosnia and Herzegovina 
early in 1908, while the Russian army was still 
broken down and demoralised from the joint 
effects of the disastrous war against Japan and 
domestic revolution. 

To understand the full import of the Kaisefs 
reiterated advice to his feeble-minded protege 
in Tsarskoe Selo concerning the war with Ja- 
pan, and in general concerning foreign affairs, 
it is necessary altvays to bear in mind the car- 
dinal principle of German diplomacy during 
the reign of Wilhelm II in relation to Russia. 
According to this principle, Russia is the great 
menace, the dark cloud that hangs over Ger- 



64 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

many's future. But for Russia, France, with a 
population almost half as large as Germany^ s, 
could be easily overrun and conquered. But 
for Russia, all the resources of western Europe 
could be combined into the hands of the Hoh- 
enzollerns for an irresistible onslaught upon 
the British empire and the establishment of 
German world-supremacy. It is because of 
this dread of Russia and her mighty possibili- 
ties under an enlightened and liberal govern- 
ment that, ever since the outbreak of the Great 
War, German diplomacy and German intrigue 
have been aiming, on the one hand, at cutting 
off Russians outlying provinces — Poland, Lith- 
uania, the Baltic provinces, Ukrainia, Bessara- 
bia, the Caucasus — not to mention Finland — 
and on the other hand at stimulating all possi- 
ble internal elements of confusion and disin- 
tegration. It is because the Pan-Germans 
have always regarded Russia with dread, as 
the greatest obstacle to the realisation of their 



TELEGRAM ELEVEN 65 

ambitions for world conquest, that they have 
always insisted upon the Asiatic character of 
Russia. According to the Pan-Germans, Rus- 
sia is not, and ought not to be, a European 
power. Russia must be, or be forced to be- 
come, a purely Asiatic power. For such is 
the interest of Germany. As an Asiatic power 
Russia would be clashing constantly with the 
British empire and Japan, and would thus be- 
come a tool of German ambition, instead of be- 
ing a hindrance and a menace. 

This was the arch design of German diplo- 
macy in relation to Russia. But in the mean- 
time, before the realisation of this prin- 
ciple and while Russia still remained a great 
European power, it was necessary to sow in 
Russian minds suspicion and distrust of 
France, of Japan, and above all of England — 
in short of all the nations that stood in the way 
of German ambitions. This the Kaiser was 
constantly striving to do in his correspondence 



66 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

with the Tsar. This is also what all the Ger- 
man agents are trying to accomplish in Russia 
now^ during the Great War. And now that the 
United States^ too, has been forced to take up 
arms against the German militarist autocracy, 
the German agents in Russia are also trying to 
instil suspicion, distrust and hatred of ''capital- 
istic^^ America into the simple minds of the 
Russian masses.^ 



12 



From Tzarskoe Selo, 

The 10th of October, 1904 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Neues Palais: 
Having been out shooting I could not an- 
swer your interesting telegram earlier. Many 
thanks for the information about Japan's 
activity in some European countries. I heard 
about it also, but I cannot quite make out 



TELEGRAM TWELVE 67 

whether the strings of these doings lead across 
the Channel, or perhaps the Atlantic. You 
may be sure that Russia shall fight this war to 
the end, until the last Jap is driven out of Man- 
churia. Only then can come the talk about 
peace negotiations, and that solely between the 
two belligerents. May God help us. Hearty 
thanks for your loyal friendship, which I trust 
beyond anything. 

(Signed) Nicky. 

[^Perhaps Nicky was not so simple-minded 
after all. To Willy^s "I think the strings of 
all these doings lead across the channeV^ — 
England^ always England^ as the arch foe — 
Nicky replied that he '^cannot quite make out 
whether the strings lead across the channel^ or 
perhaps the Atlantic, ^^ Subsequent events 
showed the latter surmise to have been not 
without shrewdness, ~\ 



68 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

13 

From Neues Palais, 

The 14th (27th) of October, 1904, 
at 4 o'clock 28 m., night. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Tzarskoe, Selo: 
For some time English press has been 
threatening Germany on no account to allow 
coals to be sent to Baltic fleet now on its way 
out. It is not impossible that the Japanese 
and British governments may lodge a joint 
protest against our coaling your ships, coupled 
with a "summation" to stop further work. 
The result aimed at by such a threat of war 
would be the absolute immobility of your fleet 
and inability to proceed to its destination from 
want of fuel. This new danger would have to 
be faced in community by Russia and Germany 
together, who would both have to remind your 
ally, France, of obligations she has taken over 
in the treaty of dual alliance with you, the 



TELEGRAM THIRTEEN 69 

"casus foederis." It is out of the question 
that France., on such an invitation, would try to 
shirk her imphcit duty toward her ally. 
Though Delcasse is an anglophile ''enrage," 
he will be wise enough to understand that the 
British fleet is utterly unable to save Paris. In 
this way a powerful combination of three of 
the strongest Continent Powers would be 
formed, to attack whom the Anglo-Japanese 
group would think twice before acting. The 
plaints of England against our coaling Russian 
ships are all the more frivol, as England since 
the beginning of the war — after making a 
present of two ironclads, Nishin and Kassuga, 
under British officers and crews, to Japan — has 
constantly supplied the Japanese fleet with 
their coals, selling them no less than thirty 
steamers. The naval battles fought by Togo 
are fought with Cardiff coals. It would, of 
course, be much more agreeable for us if the 
British were wise, and, remembering all this, 



70 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

left us alone and in peace. But never will I 
for a moment recede before unjust threat. I 
am sorry for the mishap in the North Sea. If 
the fleet are afraid of night attacks I think the 
use of searchlights alone would suffice to guard 
the ships from being surprised if all the lights 
are turned on the sectors outside the fleet. 
The use of guns, especially in European 
waters, should be restricted as much as possi- 
ble. My news from London says that the 
press and mob make a noise, the Admiralty 
some fuss, but that government, court and 
society look with greatest calm at the event as 
an unhappiness arising from the great nerv- 
ousness. I have sure news from Italy that the 
Terni shipbuilding trust (Terni, Odero, Or- 
lando) are building three surfeit seagoing 
ironclads of 12,000 tons each for a foreign 
unnamed Power, probably Japan ; reminds me 
of my former suggestion that you ought not to 
forget to order new ships of the line also, so 



TELEGRAM THIRTEEN 71 

as to be ready with some of them when war is 
over. They will be excellent "persuaders" 
during the peace negotiations. Our private 
firms would be most glad to receive contracts. 
I have attached Lamsdorff to your suite and 
person, as you kindly did with Schebeko for 
me. I am deeply sensible for your kind ap- 
preciation of my action toward you and Rus- 
sia, and assure you can always rely on my abso- 
lute faithful loyalty. Best love to Alice. 

(Signed) Willy. 

[In September, 1904, the Baltic fleet, 
under Admiral Rojestvensky, left Kronstadt 
for the Far East to meet the Japanese war- 
ships blockading Port Arthur, where the Rus- 
sian Asiatic fleet was bottled up. After coal- 
ing in Danish waters, they passed the Great 
Belt and proceeded down the North Sea, On 
the night of October 21, when over the Dogger 
Banks, off the northern coast of England, the 



72 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

fleets mistaking a large number of fishing 
trawlers for Japanese torpedo boats^, fired on 
the latter^ sinking a trawler^ killing two men^ 
injuring the rest of the crew and damaging 
three other trawlers. The affair brought 
Russia and Great Britain to the verge of war. 
The matter was finally referred to a commis- 
sion of inquiry composed of five officers^ 
among them Rear Admiral Davis^ who re- 
ported on February 25^ 1905^ holding Ad- 
miral Rojestvensky responsible for the firing 
and its results^ though it absolved him and his 
squadron from discredit either to their military 
qualities or their humanity. The affair ended 
in an indemnity being paid by the Russian gov- 
ernment to the victims and the families of 
those killed. 

This telegram presents in striking combina- 
tion the Prussian plotter s sycophancy^ inso- 
lence and baseness. He would so much have 
liked to furnish coal to the Baltic fleet on its 



TELEGRAM FOURTEEN 73 

voyage to destruction, but was afraid of the 
English press. He imagined a British-Japan- 
ese protest, and insinuated that France would 
surely be faithless to her ally. To ingratiate 
himself with Nicky he uttered threats against 
Paris, and in the same breath retailed rumours 
of Japanese ships being built in Italy and re- 
newed his former suggestion that the Tsar 
order battleships in Germany: ''Our private 
firms would be most glad to receive contracts T 
Timur Tamerlane chasing after commis- 
sions!^ 

14 

From Tzarskoe Selo, 

The 16th (28th) of October, 1904. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Neues Palais: 
Your telegram comes at a very serious mo- 
ment. I thank you heartily for it. Of 
course, you know the first details of North Sea 
incident from our admiral's telegram. Natur- 



74 THE WILLY-iNICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

ally it changes completely the character of the 
event. I have no words to express my indig- 
nation with England's conduct. It seems that 
the Continental Powers in similar cases have 
to confront the danger of her public opinion 
overwhelming a more reasonable attitude of 
her government. The latter has to follow the 
wishes of the country, makes risky steps and 
sends thundering notes with quite unaccept- 
able conditions. That is the consequence of 
acting on the spur of the moment. To-day I 
ordered Lamsdorff to send to my London Am- 
bassador a proposition to subject the whole 
question to an international commission of in- 
quiry as laid down in The Hague Conference 
protocol. I agree fully with your complaints 
about England's behaviour concerning the 
coaling of our ships by German steamers, 
whereas she understands the rules of keeping 
neutrality in her own fashion. It is certainly 
high time to put a stop to this. The only way. 



TELEGRAM FOURTEEN 75 

as you say, would be that Germany, Russia and 
France should at once unite upon an arrange- 
ment to abolish Anglo-Japanese arrogance and 
insolence. Would you like to lay down and 
frame the outlines of such a treaty and let me 
know it? As soon as accepted by us France is 
bound to join her ally. This combination has 
often come to my mind; it will mean peace 
and rest for the world. Best love from Ahx. 

(Signed) Nicky. 



[Weak-minded Nicky made an excellent 
hypnotic subject. He fell easily under the 
spelL In fact, the combination had often 
come to his mind. To crown his imbecility 
he believed that the plotter wanted to bring 
peace and rest to the world. ^ 



76 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

15 

From Neues Palais, 

The 17th (30th) of October, 1904, 
At 9 o'clock, evening. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Tzarskoe Selo : 
Best thanks for telegram. Have sent let- 
ter, including draft of treaty you wished for, off 
by imperial fieldjaeger this evening. Heard 
from private source that Hull fishermen have 
already acknowledged that they have seen for- 
eign steam craft among their boats, not belong- 
ing to their fishing fleet, which they knew not. 
So there has been foul play. I think the Brit- 
ish Embassy in Petersburg must know this 
news, whereto are kept from the British public 
till now, for fear of "blamage." Best love to 
Alice. (Signed) Willy. 

[ Willy lost no time. The draft of the treaty 
was ready and he sent it off in hot haste. To 



TELEGRAM SIXTEEN 77 

frighten Nicky into equal haste, he suggested 
"foul play'^ which was kept secret from the 
British public, li 



16 



From Neues Palais, 

The 2d (15th) of November, 1904, 
At 4 o'clock 33 min., afternoon. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Tzarskoe Selo : 
From reliable source in India I am secretly 
informed that expedition "a la Thibet" is being 
quickly prepared for Afghanistan. It is 
meant to bring that country for once and all 
under British influence, if possible direct su- 
zerainty. The expedition is to leave end of 
this month. The only not English European 
in Afghanistan service, the director of the 
arms manufactory of the Emir, a German gen- 
tleman, has been murdered, as "preambule" 
to the action. The losses of the Japanese be- 



78 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

fore Port Arthur are, according to my informa- 
tion, fifty thousand men; consequently they 
are beginning to get tired of the war, as they 
lose too many men. This has made them ask 
in Paris and London for mediation, and that is 
why these two Powers let their press renew the 
ventilation of the probabilities of their being 
able to mediate. Japan hopes to get Port 
Arthur and Manchuria from them, by help 
Congress. Am preparing answer to your kind 
letter, which I trust will meet your wishes. 
Best love to Alice. 

(Signed) Willy. 

17 

From Neues Palais, 

The 6th (19th) of November, 1904, 
At 10 o'clock 33 min., morning. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Tzarskoe Selo : 
Lamsdorff leaves to-night with letter. My 
statements about India in last telegram are 



TELEGRAM SEVENTEEN 79 

corroborated by the speech of Lord Selbome, 
who alluded to Afghanistan question. I hear 
from trustworthy private source that authori- 
ties in Tokio are getting anxious at the future 
outlook of the war. They have expressed 
their mortification at not having gained a real 
success at Liaoyang, considering enormous 
loss of men, because they were without any 
fresh reserves. The steady pouring in of 
fresh battalions from Russia is quite far be- 
yond their expectations, as they never thought 
the Siberian Railway capable of keeping up 
the transports unremittingly. They begin to 
see in consequence that, though they are at an 
end with their cadres, and especially officers, 
your army is daily increasing in strength, men 
and striking power, and that the scales of war 
are slowly but surely turning against them. 
A Japanese general went so far to say: — "The 
soup we have cooked we must now eat it up." 
My suspicions, accordingly, that the Japanese 



80 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

are trying secretly to get other Powers to medi- 
ate because they are now at the height of their 
successes have proved correct. Lansdowne 
has asked Hayashi to intimate to England the 
conditions upon which Japan would conclude 
peace. They were telegraphed from Tokio, 
but were so preposterous that even blustering 
Lansdowne thought them too strong and urged 
Hayashi to tone them down. When they 
made a wry face and difficulties Lansdowne 
added: "Of course, England will take good 
care that a mediaeval Russia will be kept well 
out of Manchuria, Korea, &c., so that de facto 
Japan will get all she wants." That is the 
point the British have in their eye when they 
speak of friendship and friendly mediation. 
France, as I hear from Japan, is already in- 
formed of these plans, and, of course, a party 
to this arrangement, taking, as usual in the 
new "entente cordiale," the side of England. 
They are going to offer you a bit of Persia as 



TELEGRAM SEVENTEEN 81 

compensation, of course far from the shore of 
the Gulf — Ca va sans dire — which England 
means to annex herself, fearing you might get 
access to the warm sea, which you must by 
right, as Persia is bound to fall under Russian 
control and government. This would give 
either a splendid commercial opening, which 
England wants to debar you from. Probably 
your diplomatists will have reported all this to 
you before, but I thought, nevertheless, it my 
duty to inform you of all I knew, all of which 
are authentic serious news from absolutely 
trustworthy sources. Lansdowne's words are 
authentic too. So you see the future for your 
army is brightened up and soon you will be 
able to turn tables upon the enemy. May 
God grant you full success, while I continue to 
watch everywhere for you. Best love to Alice. 

(Signed) Willy. 

iNicky apparently was hesitating, so he was 
to be frightened with a new bogey — a British . 



82 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

expedition into Afghanistan. At the same 
time Britain was pictured as plotting to save 
Japan from the consequences of the war,^ while 
France^ Russians ally, was betraying Nich- 
olas, Ji 



18 



From Tzarskoe Selo, 

The 7th (20th) of November, 1904, 
At 7 o'clock 50 min., evening. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Neues Palais: 
Count Lamsdorff brought me to-day your 
very kind and most interesting letter. Accept 
my heartiest thanks also for your telegram of 
yesterday, which brought me much informa- 
tion. In a very few days I will send you my 
answer, and I hope this affair shall be settled 
soon to our mutual benefit. Alix sends you 
best love. 

(Signed) Nicky. 



TELEGRAM NINETEEN 83 



19 



From Tzarskoe Selo, 

The 10th (23d) of November, 1904, 
At 12 o'clock 30 min., day. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Neues Palais : 
Before signing the last draft of treaty I think 
it advisable to let the French see it. As long 
as it is not signed one can make small modifi- 
cations in the text, whereas if already approved 
by us both it will seem as if we tried to enforce 
the treaty on France. In this case a failure 
might easily happen, which, I think, is neither 
your wish. Therefore I ask your agreement to 
acquaint the government of France with this 
project and upon getting their answer shall at 
once let you know by telegraph. 

(Signed) Nicky. 



84 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 



20 



From Tzarskoe Selo, 

The 10th (23d) of November, 1904, 
At 12 o'clock 30 m., A. P. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Neues Palais: 
Hearing that the Emperor of Austria has 
written to you about an arrangement signed 
between Russia and Austria, I think it my duty 
to inform you also from my side. Wishing to 
strengthen our efforts in keeping peace and 
tranquillity in the Balkan affairs according to 
the agreement of 1897, the Emperor and I re- 
solved to sign a secret declaration for the 
observation of a loyal and strict neutrality in 
case one of the Empires should be in a state of 
war, alone and without provocation on its part, 
with a third country, the latter wishing to en- 
danger the existing status quo. Naturally 
this declaration does not concern anv small 
Balkan country, and it will last as long as Rus- 



TELEGRAM TWENTY-ONE 85 

sia arid Austria continue their policy of peace 
in Southeastern Europe. Knowing your 
efforts for preserving general peace, I am sure 
this agreement shall meet your sympathy and 
kind consideration. 

(Signed) Nicky. 



21 



From Moschen b. Kujau, 

The 13th (26th) of November, 1904, 
At 9 o'clock 33 m., morn. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Tzarskoe Selo: 
Best thanks for telegram. You have given 
me a new proof of your perfect loyalty by de- 
ciding not to inform France without my agree- 
ment. Nevertheless, it is my firm conviction 
that it would be absolutely dangerous to inform 
France before we both have signed the treaty. 
It would have an effect diametrically opposed 
to our wishes. It is only the absolute sure 



86 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

knowledge that we are both bound by treaty 
to lend each other mutual help that will bring 
the French to press upon England to remain 
quiet and keep the peace for fear of France's 
position being jeopardized. Should, however, 
France know that a Russian-German treaty is 
only projected, but still unsigned, she will im- 
mediately give short notice to her friend (if not 
secret ally) England, with whom she is bound 
by "entente cordiale," and inform her immedi- 
ately. The outcome of such information 
would doubtless be an instantaneous attack by 
the two allied Powers, England and Japan, on 
Germany in Europe as well as in Asia. Their 
enormous maritime superiority would soon 
make short work of my small fleet and Ger- 
many would be temporarily crippled. This 
would upset the scales of the equilibrium of 
the world to our mutual harm, and, later on, 
when you begin your peace negotiations, throw 
you alone on the tender mercies of Japan and 



TELEGRAM TWENTY-ONE 87 

her jubilant and overwhelming friends. It 
was my special wish — and, as I understand, 
your intention, too — to maintain and 
strengthen this endangered equilibrium of the 
world through expressly the agreement be- 
tween Russia, Germany and France. That is 
only possible if our treaty becomes a fact be- 
fore, and if we are perfectly d'accord under any 
form. A previous information of France will 
lead to a catastrophe. Should you, notwith- 
standing, think it impossible for you to con- 
clude a treaty with me without the previous 
consent of France, then it would be a far safer 
alternative to abstain from concluding any 
treaty at all. Of course, I shall be as abso- 
lutely silent about our pourparlers as you will 
be; in the same manner as you have only in- 
formed Lamsdorff, so I have only spoken to 
Biilow, who guaranteed absolute secrecy. 
Our mutual relations and feelings would re- 
main unchanged as before, and I shall go on 



88 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

trying to make myself useful to you as far as 
my safety will permit. Your agreement of 
neutrality was communicated to me by the 
Emperor of Austria, and I thank you for your 
telegram doing the same. I think it very sen- 
sible and it has my fullest approval. Best 
love. 

(Signed) Willy. 

[/ti telegram No, 19 poor Nicky showed a 
spark of reason^ no doubt due to representa- 
tions of Count Lamsdorff^ his Minister of For- 
eign Affairs. He would like to let the French 
see the draft of the treaty before he signed it. 
He would even have them suggest small modi- 
fications in the text. In any case^ he did not 
wish it to appear as though he were trying to 
force the treaty upon the French, But the 
plotter refused to yield an inch. It must be a 
plot or nothing at all, a secret treaty or no 
treaty. And he overwhelmed poor Nicky with 



TELEGRAM TWENTY-TWO 89 

visions of dire catastrophe and upset of the 
world's equilibrium, to England's advantage 
and ''our mutual harm.''^ 



22 



From Tzarskoe Selo, 

The 15th (28th) of November, 1904, 
At 10 o'clock, night. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Neues Palais : 
Best thanks* for telegram. In answer to it 
shall send you a letter with explanations on the 
matter. I think a letter is safer than having 
to cipher long telegrams, which may attract un- 
necessary attention. I remain strongly of 
opinion that we shall come soon to a complete 
conformity of views on this question, which in- 
terests us both so much. Best thanks for your 
frank and kind conversations with Schebeko 
that he reported to me. 

(Signed) Nicky. 



90 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 



23 



From Neues Palais, the 27th of 

November (10th of December), 1904, 
At 10 o'clock 22 min., evening. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Tzarskoe Selo: 
Your letter of the 7th, for which best 
thanks, has just crossed mine of same date. 
We must now before all come to a permanent 
y agreement about coaling question. This 
question becomes daily more and more urgent. 
To-day again serious news has reached me from 
Port Said and Cape Town; there is now no 
time to be lost any more. No third Power 
must hear even a whisper about our intentions 
before we have concluded the convention about 
the coaling business ; the consequences other- 
wise would be most dangerous. I, of course, 
place full reUance in your loyalty. 

(Signed) Willy. 



TELEGRAM TWENTY-THREE 91 

[7/1 this telegram, as well as in the two that 
follow, there suddenly cropped up a coal- 
ing question. The Kaiser said that 'Hhe ques- 
tion becomes daily more and more urgent. , . . 
No third power must hear even a whisper about 
our intentions before we have concluded the 
convention about the coaling business ; the con- 
sequences would be most dangerous/^ And 
he resorted to his usual stratagem of bewilder- 
ing and frightening poor Nicky with vague, 
sinister rumours : ^'To-day again serious news 
has reached me from Port Said and Cape 
Town; There is no time to be lost any more.^' 
He accomplished his purpose. The very next 
day Nicky telegraphed back his complete agree- 
ment with his tormentor, and the following day 
he reported that he had ordered his Minister of 
Foreign Affairs to hand over a note to the Ger- 
man ambassador, declaring his complete ac- 
quiescence in Wilhelm^s wishes concerning the 
coaling question. 



92 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

Is this ^^ convention about the coaling busi- 
ness'^ which was practically concluded on De- 
cember 12^ 1904, identical with the secret 
treaty that the Kaiser had been urging upon 
the Tsar since October 27, 1904? Possibly. 
But the internal evidence of this correspond- 
ence strongly points to the conclusion that the 
coaling convention was a proposition subsidiary 
to the treaty. In telegram No. 23 the Kaiser 
himself wrote of ''our intentions'^ (that is the 
larger and much more important treaty in con- 
templation) as distinct from the coaling ques- 
tion: ''No third Power, ^^ he said, "must hear 
even a whisper about our intentions before we 
have concluded the convention about the coal- 
ing businessJ^ A mere coaling arrangement, 
whatever its character, would scarcely have 
such dangerous consequences as Wilhelm is 
bringing up before Nicky^s mind. But there 
is further and much stronger evidence pointing 
in the same direction. The coaling convention 



TELEGRAM TWENTY-THREE 93 

was practically concluded on December 12th. 
It is referred to again in the three subsequent 
despatches^ from which it appears that the ar- 
rangement was not working to the Tsar's satis- 
faction. In other ivords, poor Nicky was 
fooled by his dear friend^ who assured him of 
his '^absolute faithful loyalty^^ and that he 
would '^continue to watch everywhere^^ for him. 
On the other hand, there was no mention of 
the all-important treaty of alliance that was to 
force France into a continental combination 
against England until August 21, 1905, that 
is until after the meeting of Kaiser and Tsar 
at Bjorko, which took place on July 23.^ 1905. 
The internal evidence of these telegrams leads 
to the conclusion that the coaling arrangement 
was distinct from the treaty of alliance, and 
that while the former was virtually concluded 
on December 12, 1904, the latter was not con- 
cluded until the Bjorko meeting on July 23, 
1905. 



94 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

This conclusion is corroborated by Dr, E. 
J, Dillon^ the famous correspondent of the Lon- 
don Daily Telegraphy concerning the secret 
treaty. He had been made aware of it, in 
1905, but he was bound by a solemn promise 
not to breathe a word to any one before the 
death of one of two personages. After a lapse 
of some years he was unexpectedly authorised 
to inform the British government of ivhat he 
knew, but when the authorised spokesman of 
that government learned the nature of the dis- 
closures about to be made to him, he refused to 
listen to them. Why? Dr. Dillon does not 
say, but it is perfectly plain that by that time 
the entente between England and Russia was 
ripening and the authorised spokesman of the 
British government preferred to take no cogni- 
zance of past treacheries on the part of the 
Tsar for fear of endangering the friendly rela- 
tions then forming. Dr. Dillon^ s words in ref- 
erence to the secret treaty: ^7 had the melan- 



TELEGRAM TWENTY-FOUR 95 

choly privilege of reading it/^ are in themselves 
sufficient proof that this was no coaling ar- 
rangement. 

Thus the ^Hnnocenf^ Bjoerko meeting be- 
tween Kaiser and Tsar assumes an added sig- 
nificance and interest as illustrating the dark 
and devious ways by which Wilhelm operated 
on the feeble mind of his victim J\ 



24 

From Tzarskoe Selo, the 28th of 

November (11th of December), 1904, 
At 5 o'clock 5 min., A. M. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Neues Palais: 
Hearty thanks for your letter. Fully agree 
that both our governments must now come to 
a permanent understanding upon coaling ques- 
tion. Lamsdorff was to see Alvensleben this 
morning. You may fully rely on my loyalty 



96 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

and on my wish to arrive at a speedy settle- 
ment of this serious question. 

Nicky. 

25 

From Tzarskoe Selo, the 29th of 

November (12th of December), 1904, 
At 7 o'clock 45 min., A. M. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 

Neues Palais: 

I have ordered my Minister of Foreign 

Affairs to hand over to Count Alvensleben a 

note declaring my complete acquiescence to 

your wish concerning the coaling question. 

Happy to report this to you. 

(Signed) Nicky. 



26 

Upon inquiring into the coaling business I 

learned that two agents of the Hamburg- 

/ America line are now in Petersburg to nego- 



TELEGRAM TWENTY-SIX 97 

tiate about the sale of the coaUng ships, but 
that your people refuse to buy, pretending that 
they have no spare crews to man the colliers. 
This cannot be true, and I suppose that the 
wish to have peace at any price is uppermost in 
the minds of the parties who plead impossibil- 
ity. For surely a few hundred sailors, with 
officers and engineers to match, might be taken 
from the Black Sea squadron, which has got to 
remain inactive anyway, and sent directly by 
steamer through the Suez Canal to Mada- 
gascar. They might be installed on board of 
the colliers long before the 3d squadron arrives 
in Madagascar, for which Rojestvensky will 
have to wait anyway, if he would avoid defeat, 
the second squadron being inferior to the Jap- 
anese naval forces. It is lucky for you that 
the French have at all times, even against their 
own interests during the German war, main- 
tained the point of naval law that belligerent 
vessels may remain in a neutral port for any 



98 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

length of time and without disarming. Thus 
the French government are fully entitled to let 
the second squadron remain in Madagascar un- 
til the arrival of the 3d. The Russian crews 
for the colliers would therefore have ample 
time to reach Nossibe and to install themselves 
on board. The new manning of the colliers 
will give Rojestv. legitimate motive for staying 
in Nossibe until he is reinforced by the 3d 
squadron. If anybody were to advise you to 
let Rojest. attack the Japanese before the arri- 
val of reinforcements you might ask that party 
whether he is ready to take upon himself the 
responsibility for the result. 

Willy. 

[TAe Kaiser sought by every artifice to make 
Nicky suspicious of France, Again and again 
he assured him that she would most certainly 
succumb to British machinations and leave her 
Russian ally in the lurch. What actually hap- 
pened was precisely to the contrary. On the 



TELEGRAM TWENTY-SIX 99 

long and painful journey from the Baltic to 
Tsushima, Rojestvensky's fleet stopped at one 
French port after another, making more or less 
prolonged stays for the purpose of recoaling 
and refitting. So now Willy insinuated that 
the French really deserved no particular credit 
for their fidelity to the Russian alliance: If 
they have strained their neutrality in favour 
of Russia, it is only because they have always 
''maintained the point of naval law/' Later 
on, however, the wily Willy had the effrontery 
to assert that "your ally has notoriously left 
you in the lurch during the whole war, tvhereas 
Germany helped you as far as it could without 
infringing the laws of neutrality. ''} 

27 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Berlin : 
Admiral Rojestvensky wired yesterday for 
the third time that two Hamburg- America line 



100 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

coaling ships have not yet received orders from 
their company to follow further than Mada- 
gascar under German flag. The agreement 
concerning money guarantees against war risk 
has been settled with the company through 
Mendelsson bank, but the Hamburg-America 
Company fears to give orders before getting in- 
structions from the Chancellor. Would you 
kindly give the necessary permission, without 
which the further sailing of the squadron be- 
comes entirely impossible? 

Nicky. 



28 

Berlin, 2 (15) Fevrier, 1905, 12 o'clock 55 m. 
I told you with beginning of this coaling 
business that I should do nothing to prevent. 
I can give no instructions whatever with regard 
to it, because it is a private enterprise. The 
Hamburg-America line knows the situation 



TELEGRAM TWENTY-EIGHT 101 

and must act on their own responsibility. 
From this point of view I have ordered now to 
let Ballin know once more by wire that as for 
myself and my government he is at liberty to 
act as he thinks fit — of course at his own risks. 

Willy. 

[Here again the Kaiser combined high poli- 
tics with sordid business. On the one hand he 
urged the Tsar to buy colliers from the Ham- 
burg-American Line and threw suspicions upon 
the motives of the Russian officials who^ for 
whatever reason^ were disinclined to make the 
purchase. On the other hand, he suggested 
the necessity for despatching a third squadron 
of warships to Rojestvensky, who otherwise 
would surely suffer defeat. That the German 
government expected Rojestvensky to be de- 
feated in any case, with or without further re- 
inforcements, is proven by the fact that the two 
Hamburg- American Line coaling ships refused 
to follow the Russian fleet, under the German 



102 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

flag^ further than Madagascar. Nor would 
Willy yield to all of Nicky^s entreaties. The 
coaling business had suddenly become a purely 
private business matter, with which he must not 
interfere. In other words, the Kaisefs ad- 
visers felt certain that the coaling ships would 
fall into the hands of the Japanese together 
with the entire fleet under Rojestvensky^s com- 
mand. Why then did Willy urge Nicky to risk 
his last ship in this mad, hazardous enterprise? 
Because the departure and destruction of the 
entire Russian Baltic fleet would leave the Ger- 
man navy supreme in the Baltic, in fact, with- 
out a rival for several years. And incident- 
ally, Germany, and particularly the Kaiser^s 
industrialist friends, would reap a fresh har- 
vest of orders from Russia for the construction 
of an entirely new Baltic fleet to replace the 
one lost by Rojestvensky in Japanese waters.^ 



TELEGRAM TWENTY-NINE 103 

29 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur d'AUemagne, 
Berlin : 
Micha came back to-day enchanted with 
your kindness and hospitahty. He repeated 
to me everything you wished him to tell me. 
The day after your letter came the American 
Ambassador, Mr. Meyer, asked to see me. I 
received him yesterday. He was instructed by 
the President to lay the proposition which you 
had written to me about. I agreed on condi- 
tion that the fullest secrecy be kept until Japan 
gave her consent to open with us preparatory 
negotiations. Of course, if her demands were 
unreasonable the discussion would be broken 
off. Best love from both. 

Nicky. 



104 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

30 

Swedish port north of Stockholm. 
I shall shortly be on my return journey and 
cannot pass across entrance of the Finnish Sea 
without sending you best love and wishes. 
Should it give you any pleasure to see me — 
either on shore or your yacht — of course am 
always at your disposal. I would come as 
simple tourist, without any fetes. 

Willy. 

{_Casually, as it were, friend Willy dropped 
a note to friend Nicky. He was going to pass 
by Nicky^s front door, and wouldnh Nicky care 
to see him for just a minute? On the road, or 
in the front yard, it didn^t matter which, but it 
would be such a joy, such a pleasure to the sim- 
ple tourist, who wished to avoid all formality 
and ceremony. Just a friendly chat, thafs 
a/Z.] 



TELEGRAM THIRTY-ONE 105 

31 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur d'Allemagne, 
Hernoesand : 
Delighted with your proposition. Would 
it suit you to meet at Bjoerkesund, near Vi- 
borg, a pleasant, quiet place, living on board 
our yachts? In these serious times I cannot 
go far from the capital. Of course, our meet- 
ing will be quite simple and homely. Look- 
ing forward with intense pleasure to see you. 

Nicky. 

[^And poor Nicky, who was having endless 
worries and troubles in those ^'serious times^^ of 
foreign war and domestic turmoil, was of course 
delighted at the idea. There remained only a 
few minor details to be arranged.^ 



106 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

32 

From Nyland, 

The 7th (20th) of July, 1905, 
At 1 o'clock 25 m., P. M. 

Most happy. Would it suit you if I arrived 
at your anchorage — Bjoerkesund — on Sunday 
(10th), 23d, evening? My yacht draws six 
and a half metres water; would be thankful for 
a trustworthy pilot to lead us through the en- 
trance. Please to communicate where you 
will anchor. Have kept the whole matter 
quite secret, so that my gentlemen on board 
even know nothing; also at home nobody in- 
formed. Am so delighted to be able to see 
you. Hope you will not be disturbed by my 
Nordland's Gesellschaft, who always accom- 
pany me since 15 years. Best love. 

Willy. 



TELEGRAM THIRTY-FOUR 107 

33 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur d'AUemagne, 
Nyland : 
Shall be Sunday, 10th (23d), afternoon, 
at Bjoerkesund. Have given orders about 
trustworthy pilot. Place of anchorage will 
be between the islands of Bjoerke and Kavitza. 
Till now have kept our planned meeting secret. 
So happy to see you. Wish you a smooth pas- 
sage. Best love. 

Nicky. 

34 

From Nyland, 
The 8th (21st) of July, 1905, 
At 1 o'clock 26 m., P. M. 

Most obliged. Expect to arrive on — rd 

(lOth), at 7, evening. Please let pilot meet 

us off Hochland. Nobody has slightest idea 

of meeting; only my captain, who is ordered 



108 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

to keep absolute secrecy. All my guests 
under impression of going to Visby, in Goth- 
land. Am overjoyed at seeing you again. 
Have most important news for you. The 
faces of my guests will be worth seeing when 
they suddenly behold your yacht. A fine lark. 
Tableaux. Which dress for the meeting? 

Willy. 

[_The Kaiser was playing the game skil- 
fully, like a past master. The guests on his 
boat were kept in perfect ignorance of the inno- 
cent little escapade. The faces they will make 
when they behold the Russian imperial yacht — 
what a lark! ''Which dress for the meeting?''' 
Can any mind be more free from guile? Nev- 
ertheless, to prepare Nicky's mind for what was 
coming, but in the most general sort of way, the 
plotter added: "Have most important news 
for you.'' And indeed it turned out to be of 
great import and moment, for no sooner did 



TELEGRAM THIRTY-FIVE 109 

the bird come than it was limed, and the secret 
treaty for which the crafty Potsdamite had been 
plotting these nine months, the treaty that was 
to be forced down the throat of France, the 
treaty that was to result in a continental coali- 
tion against Great Britain and raise Wilhelm 
to the very pinnacle of power, to the empire of 
the world — that treaty was at last extorted 
from the unsuspecting, surprised and bewil- 
dered Nicky, ''A fine larkF^ indeed. 



35 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur d'Allemagne, 
Nyland : 
Steamer with pilots shall await your arrival 
at south end of island Hochland 10-23 July, at 
sunrise. Micha will accompany me. Best 
love. 

Nicky. 



110 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

36 

From Danzig, 

The 16th (29th) of July, 1905, 
At 1 o'clock 28 m., P. M. 

My wife sends many compliments and 
thanks for your kind telegram. Renter tele- 
grams this morning announce cruise of British 
Channel fleet to Baltic and looking in at our 
ports, without paying visits of ceremony. 
Either England is anxious on account of our 
meeting or they want to frighten me. This 
will lend more weight to my conversation at 
Copenhagen. You will receive letter from me 
to-day. I venture to advise promulgating the 
Bouliguine bill as soon as possible, so that the 
representatives of Russian people be elected 
soon. Meanwhile till that has taken place the 
peace conference will have been opened and 
the conditions become known for both sides. 
With the actual spirit prevailing in Russia the 
disaffected masses would try to place the whole 



TELEGRAM THIRTY-SIX 111 

responsibility for all disadvantageable conse- 
quences on your shoulders, and the successes 
as results of Witte's personal management. It 
would be excellent as a first task for these 
representatives, if you gave them the treaty of 
peace after it has been formulated, to vote 
upon, thus leaving the odium of the decision 
to the country and thereby giving the Russian 
people a voice in the matter of their own pros- 
perity, which they so much wish for. The 
outcome would be their work and therefore 
stop the mouths of the opposition. Best love 
to Alice. 

Willy. 

\^The arch plotters mind was disturbed, A 
British fleet was cruising in the Baltic^ but it 
paid no visit of ceremony. Had the British got 
wind of what passed at Bjorko? Were they 
afraid^ or did they mean to frighten him? At 
any rate he was going to Copenhagen^ appar- 



112 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

ently to inform the Danish King of the fate 
awaiting him and his country ivhenever the 
arrangement consummated at Bjorko would 
be carried out. ''The conversation at Copen- 
hagen^' must also have been arranged at 
Bjorko, for the Kaiser wrote of it as something 
to which both of them were looking forward. 
From international embroilments the Kaiser 
turned to the internal affairs of Russia and ad- 
vised the Tsar to promulgate the Bouliguine 
bill as soon as possible. To understand the 
full meaning of this advice we must recall the 
disturbed condition of Russia at the time. 
The defeat suffered at the hands of the Jap- 
anese had severely shaken the Russian autoc- 
racy, and after the assassination of von Plehve 
the Tsar felt obliged to appoint the liberal 
Prince Sviatopolk-Mirsky as Minister of the In- 
terior. But the Prince proved too liberal for 
his master and was dismissed in February, 
1905. On February 18th a reactionary in?- 



TELEGRAM THIRTY-SIX 113 

perial manifesto reaffirmed the principle of 
autocracy. Bouliguine, Prince Mirskfs sue- 
cesser, had no knowledge of this manifesto 
until after its publication. He hastened to the 
Tsar and on the same day obtained the issue 
of a new rescript, stating the Tsar's intention to 
summon representatives of the people to aid 
him in the ''preparation and examination of 
legislative proposals^' and at the same time 
preserving the ''fundamental laws of the em- 
pire' inviolate. To carry the Tsar's promise 
into effect, a commission was appointed with 
the Tsar as its chairman. The new law (ap- 
parently the "Bouliguine bill" spoken of by 
the Kaiser) was promulgated on August 6th. 
The imperial Duma was to be no more than a 
consultative body charged with the examina- 
tion of legislative proposals before they reached 
the imperial council, but the duty and right of 
passing them into law was reserved to the auto- 
crat alone. Moreover, the members of the 



114 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

Duma ivere to be elected upon a narroiv com- 
plicated franchise^ and, in addition, ivere 
placed at the mercy of the government by a 
clause in the law of August 6th, which em- 
powered the Directing Senate to suspend them 
or deprive them of their seats altogether. The 
promulgation of this mock constitution led to a 
furious agitation among the masses, which cul- 
minated in a nation-wide general strike — per- 
haps the most remarkable and certainly the 
most novel political phenomenon of modern 
times. Finally, the Tsar was forced to issue 
the manifesto of October 30th, promising a real 
national representation, liberty of conscience 
and press, and guarantees for individual lib- 
erty. Count Witte became the first Premier 
under the new Constitution, 

The Kaiser s advice relates to the earlier pro- 
posed mock parliament. It is truly Ma- 
chiavellian. The ivar having resulted in an 
uninterrupted succession of disasters, to which 



TELEGRAM THIRTY-SEVEN 115 

the Kaiser s own advice had contributed, and a 
disagreeable peace being in sight, the Kaiser 
advised the Tsar to throw the responsibility 
upon the representatives of the Russian people, 
who had nothing whatever to say about the 
making of the war. The Tsar would thus save 
his own skin, while appearing to have made 
substantial concessions to the demands of the 
Russian people for representation and self- 
government,^ 



37 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Danzig: 

I was deeply touched by your kind letter and 
thank you for telegram. Have also heard 
about British Channel j9eet's projected appear- 
ance in the Baltic. 

Your visit to Copenhagen comes in very 
good time. Hope you will be pleased with 



116 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

result of your conversations there. Shall im- 
patiently await short notice from you about 
visit. Best love to Victori from both. Wish 
you success. 

Nicky. 

[^The echoing character of Nicky^s remarks 
is quite amusing. The Kaiser told him of 
the British fleefs cruise in the Baltic, so he 
also heard of its projected appearance. The 
Kaiser said that the fleets visit would lend 
more weight to his conversation at Copen- 
hagen, so Nicky also said he would be pleased 
with the result of the conversations there. 
When the Kaiser later informed him that he 
thought it best not to speak of the secret alli- 
ance, Nicky wrote: '''You were quite right in 
not letting anything be known about our Alii- 
ance,^^ The eagerness of poor Nicky to agree 
in everything with his stronger-minded friend 
and mentor was truly pitiful.^ 



TELEGRAM THIRTY-EIGHT 117 



38 



From Sassnitz (ile of Rugen), 

The 2d of Aug. (22d of July), 1905, 
At 1 o'clock, night. 

Visit passed off well, under extreme kind- 
ness shown to me by whole family, especially 
by your dear old grandfather. After my 
arrival I soon found out through reading the 
press reports — Danish and foreign — that a 
very strong current of mistrust and apprehen- 
sion had been gendered against my visit, espe- 
cially from England. The King had been so 
intimidated and public opinion so worked 
upon that I was unable to touch the question 
we had agreed I had to mention to him. The 
British Minister, dining with one of my gentle- 
men, used very violent language against me, 
accusing me of the vilest plans and intrigues 
and declaring that every Englishman knew 
and was convinced I was working for a war 
with and for destruction of England. You 



118 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

may imagine what stuff a man like this may 
have been distilhng into the minds of the Dan- 
ish family, court and people. I did all in my 
power to dispel the cloud of distrust by behav- 
ing quite unconcernedly and making no allu- 
sion to serious politics at all; also, considering 
the great number of channels leading from 
Copenhagen to London and the proverbial 
want of discretion at the Danish court, I was 
afraid to let anything be known about our alli- 
/ ance, as it would immediately have been com- 
municated to London, a most impossible thing 
as long as the treaty is to remain secret for the 
present. By a long conversation with Isvol- 
sky, however, I was able to gather that the 
actual Minister of Foreign Affairs, Count 
Raben, and a number of persons of influence 
have already come to the conviction that in 
case of war and impending attack on the Baltic 
from the foreign Power, the Danes expect — 
their inability and helplessness to uphold even 



TELEGRAM THIRTY-EIGHT 119 

the shadow of neutrahty against an invasion 
being evident — that Russia and Germany will 
immediately take steps to safeguard their in- 
terests by laying hand on Denmark and 
occupying it during the war. As this would 
in the same time guarantee the territory and 
future existence of dynasty and country, the 
Danes are slowly resigning themselves to this 
alternative and making up their minds accord- 
ingly. This being exactly what you wished 
and hoped for, I thought it better not to touch 
the subject with the Danes and refrained from 
making any allusions, as it is better to let the 
idea develop and ripen in their heads and to 
let them draw the final conclusions themselves, 
so that they will on their own accord be moved 
to lean upon us and fall in line with our two 
countries. "Tout vient a qui sait attendre." 
The question about Charles going to Nor- 
way has been arranged up to the smallest 
detail, England having consented to every- 



120 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

thing, and there is nothing to be done any 
more. I talked with Charles about his pros- 
pects and found him very sober and without 
any illusions about his task. 

What do you say to the programme of 
festivities for your allies at Cowes? The 
whole of the Crimean veterans have been in- 
vited to meet former "brothers in arms" who 
fought with them against Russia. Very deli- 
cate indeed. It shows I was right when I 
warned you two years ago of reforming of old 
"Crimean combination" they are fast warming 
up again with a vengeance. 

Weather was fine. Best love to Alice. 

Willy. 



39 



Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Sassnitz : 
Thank you warmly for interesting details. 
Glad your visit went off well. You were quite 



TELEGRAM FORTY 121 

right in not letting anything be known about 
our aUiance. As the question about Charles 
going to Norway is settled, I understand that 
nothing can be done. Am waiting for report 
from Isvolsky about question of Danish neu- 
trahty in its last phase. Best love from Alex- 
andrine. 

Nicky. 



40 



From "Wilhelmshohe," 

The 7th (20th) of August, 1905, 
At 11 o'clock 34 min., morning. 

My Ambassador just informed me that you 
have ordered the decree to be pubhshed which 
renders to convocation of "Great Duma" the 
statutes to be formed on lines somewhat simi- 
lar to our "Staats Rath," giving it the form of 
"consultative body." I beg you to accept my 
warmest congratulations for this great step for- 
ward in the development of Russia. By the 



V 



122 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

papers I gather that in general the peace nego- 
tiations are going on satisfactorily, but that 
there are some points which offer some diffi- 
culty to agreement. Before you take your 
final decision for peace or continuation of war 
— latter will be of far reaching consequence, 
difficult to foresee to the utmost result, and 
will cost unlimited lives, blood and money — I 
should fancy it an excellent procedure if you 
were to submit this question to the "Great 
Duma" first. As it represents the people of 
Russia its answer would be the voice of 
Russia. Should it decide for peace, you 
are empowered by the nation to conclude peace 
on the proposals submitted to your delegates 
at Washington, and if thus Russia itself thinks 
that its honour is not impaired you can return 
your sword to its scabbard with the word of 
Francis I, "Tout est perdu fors Fhonneur." 
Nobody in your army or country or in the rest 
of the world has a right to blame you for 



TELEGRAM FORTY 123 

this act. If on other hand the "Duma" thinks 
the proposal unacceptable and the Japanese 
government refuse to treat on other basis, then 
again it is Russia that through the voice of the 
"Duma" invites you its Emperor to continue 
the fight, thus taking the full responsibility 
for the whole of the consequence on itself and 
shielding you once for all before the world and 
history in the future from the reproach that 
you have sacrificed thousands of Russia's sons 
without asking the country, or even against 
their wishes. This will lend your personal 
action a grand stimulus and strength, as you 
will feel yourself borne by the will of the 
whole of your people decided to fight to the 
bitter end, regardless of time, losses and pri- 
vations, which is the only possible way to 
proceed if the war is to continue. I would in 
your place not miss this first and best oppor- 
tunity to decide to get into close touch with 
your country's feelings and wishes about peace 



124 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

or war, giving the Russian people the long 
wished for opportunity to decide or take part in 
the decision relating to its future — which it has 
a positive right to — and also of giving the 
"Duma" immediately a fine opportunity to 
work and to show what it is able to do, and 
whether it comes up to the expectation every- 
body puts into it. The decisions which are 
to be taken are so terribly earnest in their con- 
sequences and so far reaching that it is quite 
impossible for any mortal sovereign to take the 
responsibility for them alone on his shoulders 
without help of his people. May God be with 
you. Do not forget the line advancement vis- 
a-vis of the guard. 

Willy. 

41 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Wilhelmshohe: 
Accept my warmest thanks for your kind 



TELEGRAM FORTY-ONE 125 

telegram, which touched me deeply. I could 
not answer you before, being occupied with 
manoeuvres in the neighbourhood of Krasnoe 
Selo. The interest you take in the future con- 
vocation of the "Duma" gives me great pleas- 
ure. I believe that the loyalty and good sense 
of my people will be a serious help for the 
development of Russia in this consultative 
body. For the last three months I have 
thought much about the question of peace or 
war. I receive daily telegrams, letters, ad- 
dresses, &c., begging me not to conclude peace 
on hard terms. There are two points upon 
which every goood Russian agrees to continue 
the fight to the end if Japan insists on them — 
not an inch of our territory, not one rouble of 
war indemnity. And these are precisely the 
terms which the Japanese do not want to give 
way in. Nothing either will induce me to 
consent to these two demands. Therefore 
there is no hope for peace for the present. 



126 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

You know how I hate bloodshed, but still it is 
preferable to an ignominious peace, when the 
faith in oneself, in one's fatherland, would be 
scattered to pieces. Perhaps to-morrow this 
question will be decided. I am ready to carry 
the whole responsibility myself, my conscience 
being clear, and knowing the great bulk of my 
people backing me up. I am perfectly aware 
of the immense seriousness of the moment I 
am living in, but I cannot act otherwise. 
Thank you for the interest you take in my trou- 
bles. Best love from Alix. 

Nicky. 

42 

Homburg Schloss, September 4th. 

Witte is, as I hear, on his return journey. 

Would you allow him to visit me "en passant" 

on his way to Russia, as I intend decorating 

^ him on account of the coming into existence of 

the treaty of commerce, which he concluded 



TELEGRAM FORTY-THREE 127 

last year with Biilow. Happy cruise. Our 
manoeuvres most interesting in lovely coun- 
try, but very wet. Best love to Alix. 

Willy. 

43 

Rominten, September 11th. 
Sa Majeste FEmpereur: 

By your kind order Witte will be here on 
26-13 m. Isheinformedof our treaty? Am 
I to tell him about it if he is not? Best love 
to Alix. Killed four stags here, nothing espe- 
cially big. Weather cool and fine. Waid- 
manns Heil. 

Willy. 

44 

Sa Majeste I'Empereur: 
Rominten : 
Till now the Grand Duke Nicholas, the War 
Minister, the chief of General Staff and Lams- 



128 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

dorjfF are informed about treaty. Have noth- 
ing against your telling Witte about it. En- 
joying my stay on the Polar Star; dry, fine 
weather. Best love from Alix. Waidmanns 
Dank. p^K^KY. 

45 

Cablegrams from Washington brought me 
news of the agreement of the conference on 
preliminaries of peace, by which the final con- 
clusion of peace is, it seems, at last guaranteed. 
May I express my most heartful compliments 
that a solution has been found which enables 
Russia to emerge with full honour out of the 
war and which pays tribute in every respect to 
the gallantry of your army as your constancy 
in vindicating Russia's rights and national 
honour? I hear Japan has conceded all your 
demands. President Roosevelt, I hear, has 
made nearly superhuman efforts to induce 



TELEGRAM FORTY-SIX 129 

Japan to give way. He has really done a great 
work for your country and the whole world. 
The more so as I heard from him that England 
positively refused to budge a finger to help him 
in working upon their allies, the Japanese, to 
give way to his demands. Once more sincer- 
est compliment. I am glad if I have been 
able to be of any use to you in this time. Best 
love to Alix. 

Willy. 

['^'Waidmanns HeiV^ means '^Huntman^s 
Greetings'^ which the Tsar echoed^ as usuaL^ 



46 

Gluchburgostsee, September 29th. 
The working of treaty does not — as we 
agreed at Bjorko — collide with the Franco- 
Russian Alliance, provided, of course, the lat- 
ter is not aimed directly at my country. On 



130 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

the other hand, the obhgations of Russia to- 
ward France can only go so far as France 
merits them through her behaviour. Your 
ally has notoriously left you in the lurch dur- 
ing the whole war, whereas Germany helped 
you in every way as far as it could without 
infringing the laws of neutrality. That puts 
Russia morally also under obligations to us; 
do ut des. Meanwhile the indiscretions of 
Delcasse have shown the world that though 
France is your ally she nevertheless made an 
agreement with England and was on the verge 
of surprising Germany, with British help, in 
the middle of peace, while I was doing my best 
to you and your country, her ally. This is an 
experiment which she must not repeat again 
and against a repetition of which I must expect 
you to guard me. I fully agree with you that 
it will cost time, labour and patience to induce 
France to join us both, but the reasonable 
people will in future make themselves heard 



TELEGRAM FORTY-SIX 131 

and felt. Our Moroccan business is regulated 
to entire satisfaction, so that the air is free 
for better understanding between us. Our 
treaty is a very good base to build upon. We 
joined hands and signed before God, who heard 
our vows. I therefore think that the treaty 
can well come into existence. 

But if you wish any changes in the words or 
clauses or provisions for the future or different 
emergencies — as for instance, the absolute 
refusal of France, which is improbable — I 
gladly await any proposals you will think fit 
to lay before me. Till these have been laid 
before me and are agreed upon the treaty must 
be adhered to by us as it is. The whole of 
your influential press, Nowosti Nowie Wremja, 
Russj, etc., have since a fortnight become vio- 
lently anti-German and pro-British. Partly 
they are bought by heavy sums of British 
money no doubt. Still it makes my people 
very chary and does great harm to the rela- 



132 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

tions newly growing between our countries. 
All these occurrences show that times are trou- 
bled and that we must have clear courses to 
steer; the treaty we signed is a means of keep- 
ing straight, without interfering with your al- 
liance as such. What is signed is signed, and 
God is our testator. I shall await your pro- 
posals. Best love to Alix. 

Willy. 

[_Now that peace had been concluded with 
Japan^ the Tsar seemed to pick up some cour- 
age and ceased to be a mere colourless echo of 
Wilhelm. 

The statement that France^ in the midst of 
peace, ^^was on the verge of surprising Ger- 
many, with British help^^ vjas a shameless in* 
vention on the part of the Kaiser, Equally 
non-existent were the indiscretions of Delcasse, 
the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, since 
1889, What actually happened was a gross 



TELEGRAM FORTY-SIX 133 

provocation of France by the Kaiser in his visit 
to Fez, a provocation which he repeated later 
at Agadir. Both exploits were equally spec- 
tacular and equally futile. The course of 
events in relation to Delcasse and Morocco 
during the time covered by the present corre- 
spondence, was as follows : 

The clash at Fashoda between Col. Mar- 
chand and Lord Kitchener, which demon- 
strated the danger of colonial complications, 
and the entrance of Russia upon the Japanese 
war, which left France without an effective ally 
in Europe, proved to British as well as to French 
statesmen the urgent necessity of arriving at 
a complete mutual understanding, particularly 
in view of the ambitions and intrigues of the 
Kaiser. The result was the general agreement 
between France and England of April 8, 
1904. All minor disputes were settled. 
France recognised the British occupation of 
Egypt and gave her a free hand in that coun- 



134 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

try. And Britain in return granted to France 
similar rights in Morocco. With regard to 
Morocco, Germany had declared that her inter- 
ests there were purely commerciaL In Jan- 
uary, 1905, a French diplomatic mission ar- 
rived in Fez and presented to the Sultan a com- 
prehensive programme of reforms, practically 
taking away from him every independent 
power. When France thus demonstrated her 
intention to establish a protectorate over Mo- 
rocco, the Kaiser resorted to a theatrical coup. 
On March 31, he suddenly arrived in Tangier 
and proclaimed his determination to protect 
German interests in Morocco as well as the in- 
dependent authority of the Sultan. Two 
months later the German Minister to Portugal, 
Count von Tattenbach, came to Fez with the 
double object of gaining special privileges for 
Germany and defeating the French plans. On 
May 28 the Sultan rejected the entire French 
reform programme and demanded the holding 



TELEGRAM FORTY-SIX 135 

of an international conference regarding Mo- 
rocco. As a result, the conference of Alge- 
ceiras was called. It opened January 16, 
1906. The act of agreement was signed 
April 7, 1906, and was proclaimed January 
22, 1907. At this conference the previous 
French agreement with England and Spain 
was partially nullified; nevertheless Germany 
suffered a diplomatic defeat, Austria alone sup- 
porting her claims. France was given powers 
which, by liberal interpretation, were capable 
of being extended into a right of complete 
control over Morocco. Eventually they were 
so extended. 

But meanwhile, shortly after the refection of 
the French demands by the Moorish sultan, the 
Kaiser played another of his characteristic, 
spectacular, but fruitless coups. The French 
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Theophile Del- 
casse, had earned his bitter hatred both because 
of the entente with England, his Morocco 



136 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

policy^ and his success in conciliating Italy and 
establishing cordial relations with her^ thereby 
weakening the Triple Alliance, By a brutal 
threat of war against France, the Kaiser forced 
upon the Rouvier cabinet the retirement of M, 
Delcasse on June 6, 1905, On the same date 
Count von Billow, the Imperial Chancellor, 
was raised by his master to the rank of Prince, 
apparently as a reward for the humiliation im- 
posed upon France, 

The policy of France in Morocco has been 
misunderstood in various quarters. It was by 
no means due entirely, or even principally, to 
greed for colonial expansion. The primary 
motive of this policy has been to keep Ger- 
many out of Morocco, France could not af- 
ford to have so dangerous a neighbour on her 
North African flank,^ 



TELEGRAM FORTY-SEVEN 137 

47 

Hohenzollern, September 30th. 

Sa Majeste TEmpereur, 
Gliicksburg: 
As Fritz Leopold arrives on Sunday to pre- 
sent himself, after having been under fire on 
several occasions, may I decorate him with the 
St. Georges Cross of fourth class? General 
Linievitch reported to me about his coolness 
and excellent behaviour in several affairs in 
May last. Best love. 

Nicky. 

48 

Kiel, 13 Octobre, 1905, 

Peterhof, 30 September, 1905. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur: 

Most touched and thankful for your kind 
intention. I envy him this coveted decora- 
tion ; best love. Horrible weather. 

Willy. 



138 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

49 

From Neues Palais, 2-15 X. 2. 27. 
So glad to know my brother-in-law, back 
from war, under your roof. Many thanks 
once more for the great honour of St. George 
Cross. It seems that the . . . arch mis- 
chiefmaker of Europe in London is at work 
again. The revelations of Delcasse, notwith- 
standing which terribly compromised him and 
his government, as planning war against our 
friendly nation in peace. Like brigands in a 
wood, he has sent Benkendorif — your Ambas- 
sador — to Copenhagen on a clandestine mis- 
sion to your mother with the instructions to 
win her over to influence you for a policy 
against me. The Foreign Office in London 
knows about his journey, which is denied at 
your Embassy there. I may, of course, be 
misinformed, but the extraordinary behaviour 
of England leads me to think that it cannot do 



TELEGRAM FORTY-NINE 139 

harm to inform you at all events. It is pe- 
culiar that your Ambassador should lend him- 
self to such tricks, as they are bound to be 
found out, thereby creating fresh excitement, 
of which I think we had quite enough lately. 
Best love. Weather horrible. 

^ILLY. 

l^Here again the Kaiser repeated the utterly 
unfounded accusation against M. Delcasse as 
well as against King Edward, that they were 
planning war against peaceful Germany. Ap- 
parently Wilhelm had come to regard the age- 
long quarrel between France and England not 
merely as an asset, but as a vested interest 
of Prussia, an interest that was violated by the 
friendly settlement of the quarrel. As regards 
the accusation concerning Benkendorff^s mis- 
sion to Copenhagen, Wilhelm himself was by 
no means sure of its truthfulness — "/ may of 
course be misinformed/^ he said — yet he com- 



140 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

pared King Edward to a ''brigand in a woodF^ 
What words are fit to characterize the conduct 
of a monarch so unscrupulous and irresponsi- 
ble?} 



50 

Sa Majeste I'Empereur, 
Neues Palais: 
Best thanks for your telegrams. Benken- 
dorff by my permission, as my mother invited 
him to come as a friend of the Danish family. 
What sort of conversation went on I certainly 
do not know. But I can resolutely assure you 
that nothing can influence me except the in- 
terest, safeguard and honour of my country. 
Benkendorff is a loyal subject and a real gen- 
tleman. I know he would never lend him- 
self to any false tricks even if they came from 
the "great mischief maker" himself. Del- 
casse's revelations are extraordinary, but I 



TELEGRAM FIFTY 141 

think Billow's conversations with some news- 
paper correspondents have not helped much to 
clear up the situation. I shall write to you 
soon. Fritz Leopold looks brown; very well. 
Best love from both. 

Nicky. 

[^For the first time the Tsar assumed an al- 
most independent tone. He defended Benk- 
endorff, and matched Delcasses revelations 
with Billow's conversations. And the ques- 
tion naturally arises^ was his faithful echoing 
of every wish and word of Wilhelm up till that 
time^ mere playing and shamming^ owing to 
his fear of the rattling of the Prussian sword 
while he was preoccupied with the Japanese 
war?l^ 



142 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 



51 



Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Homburg : 
Very kind of you to wish to see Witte and 
decorate him. Are enjoying our cruise; have 
luckily fine, cool weather. Best love from all. 

Nicky. 

52 

From Neues Palais, 12-26 XL, 1905. 
Thanks for letter. Shall reply after hear- 
ing Chancellor. Your information about Tat- 
tenbach incorrect. He has acted ''en con- 
cert" with his friend colleague the whole time, 
and they have both left Fez a while ago. I 
quite agree that complications should by all 
means be avoided in or near Europe. There 
is no fear of any arising in or about Morocco ; 
but Macedonia and the Balkans are much more 



TELEGRAM FIFTY-TWO 143 

dangerous, and the naval demonstration 
against Turkey in this moment may lead to 
most unexpected consequences should the 
"amour propre" of the Islamitic world resent 
the pressure brought to bear upon their master. 
The work of the "Crimean combine" is to be 
detected here. Willy. 

It he naval demonstration against Turkey 
toward the end of 1906 was resorted to by the 
European powers in order to compel the Sultan 
to submit to a series of demands looking to im- 
provement of the finances in the three Mace- 
donian vilayets of Saloniki, Monastir, and Kos- 
sovo. They also insisted upon the appoint- 
ment of a board of six commissioners, one for 
each Power, to superintend the execution of the 
reforms. As with all Balkan reform schemes, 
the present scheme was far from adequate, and 
there was but slight harmony among the Great 
Powers, Germany and Austria-Hungary pre- 



144 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

f erred to interfere as little as possible with the 
administration of the vilayets^ while Russia^ 
backed by France and Great Britain^ wished to 
go much further. In these circumstances any 
reference by Wilhelm to the ''Crimean Com- 
bine^^ was bound to fall on barren ground.^ 



53 



19, XL, '05. 



Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Neues Palais: 
Best thanks for your kind letter, that gave 
me great pleasure. Our alliance with France 
is a defensive one. Think the declaration I 
sent you could remain in force until France 
accepts our new agreement. I will certainly 
do all in my power to bring the Morocco con- 
ference to a general understanding. Best love 
from us both. Nicky. 



TELEGRAM FIFTY-FOUR 145 

[Apparently the Tsar ivas now insisting 
upon a modification of the secret treaty with 
Wilhelm^ saying that the declaration embody- 
ing his modifications could remain in force 
until France was willing to join,^ 



54 

25, XL, '05. 
Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Berlin : 
Fliigel Adjutant Schebeko must receive a 
new nomination. I propose to replace him by 
Colonel Tatischeff of my Guard Hussars. He 
was a long time with Uncle Wladimir, has been 
often in Berlin, speaks very good German. I 
intend to promote him general of the suite on 
my namesday, and with your approval to at- 
tach him to your person. At the same time 
I would like to know whether you find it nec- 
essary we should again name special militarjr 



146 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

attaches except Lamsdorff and Tatischeff. 
Best love from Alix. 

Nicky. 

55 

From Neues Palais, 30th of 

November (13 of December), 1905, 
At 8:20 morn. 

Colonel Tatischeff you propose to attach to 
my person shall be welcome. Respecting 
your question about the special military at- 
taches, besides those "a la suite" of our re- 
spective persons, I think it practical they 
should be created. Formerly it was always so. 
It places the personal attaches into precarious 
and difficult positions if they are to do their 
"trade" in the same time they are in the staff 
of the sovereigns. They must be reserved for 
this honour alone and only gather and transmit 
loyally the official military or confidential infor- 
mations they receive from the sovereign, or by 



TELEGRAM FIFTY-SIX 147 

the sovereign's permission from the official mil- 
itary authorities. They must be persons of 
blameless character, upon whom the sovereigns 
can implicitly rely and enjoy the fullest confi- 
dence of the officers of the respective Imperial 
headquarters, to whom they are to belong. 
This implied that they should have nothing 
whatever to do with the usual "trade" of the 
simple military agent. Werder's position with 
your grandfather is a good example how it 
ought to be. Best love to Alix. 

Willy. 



56 



VI. 10, 1906; IV. 27 (sic). 
Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Berlin : 

With the change of Ministry Count Lams- 
dorff is leaving, and I intend to replace him by 
Isvolsky. I am very sorry not to be able to 



148 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

keep him for Berlin, but need his services now 
here; am sure will understand it. Have come 
over to Peterhof, as real summer weather has 
set in. Saw Tatischeff to-day, who gave me 
your kind messages. Best love from both. 

Nicky. 



57 

June 10 (April 27), 1906, 

From Strasbourg, at 6 o'clock 45 m. 

Sa Majeste I'Empereur, 
Peterhof: 
Thanks for information about Iswolsky, 
which I quite understand. Also here summer 
has set in; all chestnuts and lilacs are in full 
bloom and the air is very warm. Best love to 
Ahx. 

William. 

[TAe correspondence was growing palpably 
briefer and colder. Wilhelm thanked the 



TELEGRAM FIFTY-EIGHT 149 

Tsar for the information about Isvolsky^s ap- 
pointment to the foreign office. He '''quite 
understands^' it^ but seemed to have little relish 
for it,^ 

58 

6. 7, '06. 
You know how I was looking forward to 
our meeting in the first of August. But 
things are becoming so serious that I have de- 
cided to disband the Duma shortly. I am 
sure you will understand that in these circum- 
stances I cannot leave my country. With sin- 
cere regret I have to put off my visit to your 
shores for a certain time. This involuntary 
postponement makes my impatience to see 
you grow. Best love from both. 

Nicky. 

[TAe first imperial duma assembled in the 
Winter Palace on May 10, 1906. It was 
dominated by the Constitutional Democratic 



150 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

party (Cadets) , It came into immediate con- 
flict with the Crown by demanding general am- 
nesty for the many thousands who were lan- 
guishing in prison and whose efforts had made 
the duma possible. The address in reply to 
the speech from the Throne^ which was voted 
on May 18^ demanded the establishment of 
universal suffrage^ a responsible cabinet^ sup- 
pression of the imperial council^ political am- 
nesty^ equality of all classes before the law, 
abolition of all disabilities because of race, 
class or religion, reforms in the administration 
of public finance, education, local government 
and labour legislation, abolition of capital pun- 
ishment, and compulsory expropriation of the 
landlords with compensation, the land to be 
distributed among the peasants. These de- 
mands met with a flat refusal from Goremykin, 
who succeeded Count Witte as Premier, On 
July 22, the duma was dissolved by imperial 
edict, which fixed March 5, 1907, as the 



TELEGRAM FIFTY-NINE 151 

date for the assembling of the new duma, to be 
elected upon a more complicated and restricted 
franchise. 2 

59 

From Homburg (Trondhjem), 
7th (20th) July, 1906, 
At 10 o'clock, 55 min. 

I deeply deplore that we cannot meet but 
fully understand your reason that prevents you 
leaving your country in this moment. I fer- 
vently hope that we may meet later on in 
quieter times. God be with you and preserve 
you. Best love to Alice. 

Willy. 



60 



From Wilhelmshohe, 

3 (16) of August, 1906, 
6 o'clock, 5 m., evening. 

Uncle Bertie's visit has passed off most sat- 
isfactorily. He is looking well and seems to 



152 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

be in good spirits. We both agreed that the 
maintenance of friendly relations between our 
two countries is not only a blessing for them, 
but also for all other nations. I most sin- 
cerely hope that the exchange of views between 
uncle and myself, which all go towards the 
confirmation of the world's peace, might be 
of benefit to you and your great empire. 

Willy, 

61 

Wilhelmshohe, 4 August, 1906. 
I express my warmest thanks for your kind 
telegram. The maintenance of friendly rela- 
tions between Germany and England is an ab- 
solute necessity for the world. I am pleased 
about this result of Uncle Bertie's visit. 

Nicky. 



TELEGRAM SIXTY-THREE 153 

62 

S. M. TEmpereur, 

Berlin,23, 8, 1906: 
Having received Tatischeff's report about 
your opinion of Boris' presence of war army 
manoeuvres, I recall him from the frontier. 
Fondest love. 

Nicky. 

63 

From Travemunde, 

The 17th (30th) of June, 1907, 
At 11 o'clock 25 m., night. 

I received by Tatischeff your kind proposal 
to come to Swinemiinde about the sixth of Au- 
gust, leaving Peterhof the fourth. I am very 
thankful for this intention, but if it were fea- 
sible for you to arrive already the third I 
should prefer this day, as I have already fixed 
an inspection programme for myself begin- 
ning with the sixth of August, which cannot 



154 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

be changed without arousing pubHc attention, 
I also heard by Captain Hintze that you were 
able to come between the twenty-third of July 
and the fourteenth of August, and I hope the 
third will not be inconvenient to you. Please 
let me know if the third suits you then. I 
shall propose by Captain Hintze particulars for 
our meeting, to which I look forward with 
heartful expectation. 

William. 

64 

Peterhof, 18 VI. (1 VIIL), 1907. 

Sa Majeste FEmpereur, 
Travemiinde: 
Agree with pleasure to arrive on the third 
of August, new style. For me also it is most 
convenient. Shall be thankful for particu- 
lars sent through Hintze. Wish you a smooth, 
agreeable cruise in the north. 

Nicky. 



TELEGRAM SIXTY-FIVE 155 

65 

2 VIII., 1907. 
Meeting with Uncle Bertie satisfactory. 
Uncle in good humour and peacefully dis- 
posed. Visibly impressed by the in 

Macedonia. Thinks joint remonstrances in 
Athens necessary. When asked by the King 
about the actual state of Russia I was happy 
to inform him that I heard from you that all 
went well, the dismissal of the Duma by you 
being the same act as the dismissal of the Por- 
tuguese Parliament by his cousin Carlos. 
After several rainy days we have since yester- 
day beautiful weather, and made yesterday 
morning auto drive through the silent woods 
of the neighbourhood. Hope so much you 
found Alix in good health. Best love to her. 

Willy. 



156 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

[TAe correspondence closed with an omi- 
nous comparison. The Kaiser was as anxious 
as ever to cause ill-feeling between the Tsar 
and King Edward, whom he styled the ''arch- 
mischiefmaker of Europe.'^ He therefore sug- 
gested, by indirection, that while King Ed- 
ward did not approve of the dismissal of the 
Duma, he, Wilhelm, defended the act on the 
ground that it was of the same nature as the 
dismissal of the Portuguese parliament by King 
Carlos. The comparison was only too true, in 
antecedents as well as in results. Conditions 
in Portugal were a repetition, on a small scale, 
of the conditions in the great Russian empire. 
The finances of the state were in a chaotic con- 
dition. Every year the budget showed a de- 
ficit. The national debt was constantly in- 
creasing. A large part of the expenditure was 
unproductive, and the public service was rotten 
with corruption. The working classes, peas- 
ants as well as artisans, were ground down with 



TELEGRAM SIXTY-FIVE 157 

taxation. Strikes, peasant uprisings, military 
mutinies kept the country in constant turmoil. 
Elections and dissolutions of the Cortes fol- 
lowed each other in rapid succession. Finally 
the Constitution was suspended in May, 1907, 
and government by ministerial decrees fol- 
lowed, under the practical dictatorship of Dom 
Franco, the Premier. As a result, the King 
and the Crown Prince were assassinated on 
February 1, 1908. The second son of King 
Carlos succeeded him as Manoel II, but he was 
deposed on October 5, 1910, as the result of a 
revolution, and a republic was established. 

When Nicholas II heard the news of the as- 
sassination of King Carlos, and later of the de- 
position of Manoel and the establishment of 
the republic, did the comparison and justifica- 
tion made by his friend in Potsdam occur to 
his mind? It might have been better for him 
if it did and if he had changed his course from 
that advised and justified by Wilhelm. Wit- 



158 THE WILLY-NICKY CORRESPONDENCE 

tingly or unwittingly, the Kaisefs advice lured 
him to destruction, in his conduct of the war 
with Japan as well as in his relations with his 
own people.^ 



THE END 



